EMULSION PATHWAY FOR GELATIN CROSS-LINKING

A new method for gelatin cross-linking is suggested that starts with the generation of an emulsion between an aqueous solution containing gelatin and a surfactant, and a monomer (MMA) that contains an initiator (AIBN). The emulsion is prepared at 50-degrees-C under intense stirring, but is brought, subsequently, to room temperature. There are conditions under which the gellike emulsions thus obtained are transparent and extremely stable at room temperature. A slow cross-linking reaction occurs in the latter gels that leads to a material that is insoluble in water. The swelling of this material in water, which is very large after 5 days, reduces appreciably after 25 days of reaction. The cross-linking occurs only when MMA contains the initiator.