The reaction of cyanuric chloride with gelatins and animal glues

The conditions for the reaction of cyanuric chloride with solutions of gelatins and animal glues have been examined. The compound was shown to be a very efficient crosslinking agent; as little as 1.2 moles of reagent per 105 g. of protein were required to double the viscosity of a gelatin solution. Insoluble gel networks were readily formed. For commercial applications the products obtained were unsatisfactory. Increased gel strengths were obtained on crosslinking solutions of gelatins and glues of low initial gel strengths and viscosities. With materials of higher initial gel strength and viscosity, either no increase, or a decrease, in gel strength was observed. These phenomena are discussed in the light of the observations by Stainsby et al.6 on the factors governing the rigidity of gelatin gels.