Thermomechanical Analysis of Stratum Corneum II. Application

The viscoelastic and dimensional properties of human stratum corneum as probed by thermomechanical analysis differ significantly from the previously reported data for newborn rat corneum with respect to temperature and degree of several thermally induced transitions. Human callus also show altered thermoelastic behavior when compared to stratum corneum from back or lower legs. The influence of solvents of varying polarity on stratum corneum indicates altered properties. Introduction of additional cross-links into stratum corneum by formaldehyde exposure increases several of the transition temperatures. In general, stratum corneum viscoelastic and dimensional properties are similar to those exhibited by other highly organized network structures composed of polyamides such as silk or nylon.