Continuous High-Content Keratin Fibers with Balanced Properties Derived from Wool Waste

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (49) ◽  
pp. 18148-18156
Author(s):  
Guangsheng Cao ◽  
Min Zhi Rong ◽  
Ming Qiu Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Author(s):  
M. C. Buhrer ◽  
R. A. Mathews

Ruthenium red has been used as a stain to demonstrate a variety of extracellular materials, especially acid mucopolysaccharides. It also reacts with certain intracellular and extracellular lipids. Since biochemical studies in our laboratory demonstrated the presence of a variety of monosaccharides in human hair ruthenium red staining procedures were adopted in order to evaluate the presence and morphological location of acid oligosaccharides in the keratinized aspect of hair.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1380
Author(s):  
Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik ◽  
Joanna Ryszkowska ◽  
Tomasz Mik ◽  
Ewa Wesołowska ◽  
Tomasz Kowalewski ◽  
...  

Viscoelastic polyurethane (VEPUR) foams with increased thermal resistance are presented in this article. VEPUR foams were manufactured with the use of various types of flame retardant additives and keratin fibers. The structure of the modified foams was determined by spectrophotometric-(FTIR), thermal-(DSC), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also assessed the fire resistance, hardness, and comfort coefficient (SAG factor). It was found that the use of keratin filler and flame retardant additives changed the foams’ structure and properties as well as their burning behavior. The highest fire resistance was achieved for foams containing keratin and expanding graphite, for which the reduction in heat release rate (HRR) compared to VEPUR foams reached 75%.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Sara Ferraris ◽  
Enrica Verné ◽  
Gissur Örlygsson ◽  
Paulo Tambasco ◽  
Felipe Perraro Sehn ◽  
...  

Biomolecules and extracts from natural products are gaining increasing interest due to their beneficial properties for human health, low toxicity, environmental compatibility and sustainability. In this work, keratin, chitosan and peppermint essential oil have been used for the preparation of coatings on titanium substrates for biomedical implants/devices. All these coatings were obtained from local natural products/byproducts: keratin from discarded wool, chitosan from shrimp shells and peppermint essential oils from a local production. The above cited molecules were selected for their ability to stimulate soft tissue adhesion (keratin), anti-inflammatory activity (chitosan) and antibacterial activity (keratin after metal ion doping, chitosan and mint oil). The coatings were characterized by means of SEM-EDS, FTIR, zeta potential, wettability, tape and scratch tests, and cell and bacteria cultures. The coatings were successfully obtained for all the considered natural substances with good adhesion to the titanium substrates. All the coatings are chemically stable in water and the continuous coatings are mechanically resistant and protective for the metallic substrates. The keratin coatings are hydrophilic while the mint oil and chitosan coatings are hydrophobic; nanofibers, instead of continuous coatings, behave as more hydrophobic. At the physiological pH, the keratin and mint oil coatings are negatively charged when in contact with an aqueous environment, while the chitosan ones are positively charged. The oriented keratin fibers are able to drive fibroblast alignment. The Ag-doped keratin fibers and mint coating show antibacterial properties.


2005 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haibo Xie ◽  
Shenghai Li ◽  
Suobo Zhang

Polymers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibon Aranberri ◽  
Sarah Montes ◽  
Itxaso Azcune ◽  
Alaitz Rekondo ◽  
Hans-Jürgen Grande

Feathers are made of keratin, a fibrous protein with high content of disulfide-crosslinks and hydrogen-bonds. Feathers have been mainly used as reinforcing fiber in the preparation of biocomposites with a wide variety of polymers, also poly(urea-urethane)s. Surface compatibility between the keratin fiber and the matrix is crucial for having homogenous, high quality composites with superior mechanical properties. Poly(urea-urethane) type polymers are convenient for this purpose due to the presence of polar functionalities capable of forming hydrogen-bonds with keratin. Here, we demonstrate that the interfacial compatibility can be further enhanced by incorporating sulfur moieties in the polymer backbone that lead to new fiber-matrix interactions. We comparatively studied two analogous thermoplastic poly(urea-urethane) elastomers prepared starting from the same isocyanate-functionalized polyurethane prepolymer and two aromatic diamine chain extenders, bis(4-aminophenyl) disulfide (TPUU-SS) and the sulfur-free counterpart bis(4-aminophenyl) methane (TPUU). Then, biocomposites with high feather loadings (40, 50, 60 and 75 wt %) were prepared in a torque rheometer and hot-compressed into flexible sheets. Mechanical characterization showed that TPUU-SS based materials underwent higher improvement in mechanical properties than biocomposites made of the reference TPUU (up to 7.5-fold higher tensile strength compared to neat polymer versus 2.3-fold). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images also provided evidence that fibers were completely embedded in the TPUU-SS matrix. Additionally, density, thermal stability, and water absorption of the biocomposites were thoroughly characterized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menandro N. Acda

Background: High-density fiberboards (HDF) are widely used as a substitute for solid wood in furniture, cabinet, construction materials, etc. Wood fibers are often used in the production of HDF but the use of renewable materials has gained worldwide interest brought about by global pressure to pursue sustainable development. An abundant source of renewable fibers that can be used to produce HDF is keratin from waste chicken feathers. The goal of the study is to investigate the use of keratin fibers in combination with wood fibers to produce HDF. No or limited studies have been conducted in this area and if successful, it could offer an alternative utilization for the billions of kilograms of waste feather produced by the poultry industry. HDF is a high volume feather utilization that can reduce pollution and help solve solid waste disposal problems in many countries. Methods: A series of dry-formed HDFs containing varying ratios of wood and keratin fibers bonded by polyurethane resin were produced. The physical and mechanical properties of the HDFs were determined. Results : The properties of the HDFs were affected by varying ratios of wood particles and keratin fibers. Dimensional stability as indicated by low levels of thickness swelling (<4.6%) and water absorption (<10%) was observed. Internal bond (2.47 MPa), MOE (5.8 GPa) and MOR (45 MPa) values were higher or comparable to those reported in the literature. Conclusion: HDF formed using a combination of wood and keratin fibers bonded together by polyurethane resin to as much as 50% keratin fibers were dimensionally stable with stiffness and strength above the minimum requirements for general use HDF as prescribed by EN 622-5.


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