The effect of glycerol on deteriorated collagen

[Keith Lobban & Kirsten Suenson]

WE are researching the role of glycerol in protecting archaeological wet
leather through the freeze drying process.  This is a proven technique
with 25 years successful use, however no analytical work has been carried
out to identify how glycerol actually works in stabilising the
deteriorated collagen/tannin network.  We have identified certain
anomalies in the sucess of the treatment, especially when dealing with
badly deteriorated material.  Is this an effect of the polarity of the
glycerol adversely affecting the deteriorated collagen molecule?  Can you
help? 
Dean  Sully  mus at museum-london.org.uk  
Kirsten Suenson-Taylor keithkirsten at online.rednet.co.uk