A novel strategy for producing high‐performance continuous regenerated fibers with wool‐like structure. Issue 1 (20th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, Guang Sheng; Zhang, Ze Ping; Rong, Min Zhi; Zhang, Ming Qiu
• Is Part Of: SusMat. Volume 2:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2022-02-20
• Subjects: continuous regenerated fibers -- cortical cells -- keratin -- wet‐spinning -- wool waste; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Materials -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Clean energy -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1002/sus2.46
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2692-4552

Abstract

Abstract: We proposed a novel approach to prepare high‐performance continuous regenerated keratin fibers with wool‐like structure by using the cortical cells and linear keratin from wool waste as reinforcement and adhesive, respectively. The spindle‐shaped cortical cells were taken from wool waste based on the different responses of cortical cells and mesenchyme in wool to the treatments of H2 O2 oxidation and ultrasonication. The linear keratin was yielded through dissolving wool waste in the green solution consisting of starch derived dithiothreitol and protein denaturant sodium dodecyl sulfate. The recycled keratin fibers were produced by wet‐spinning of the mixture solution comprising of cortical cells, linear keratin and toughener poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and crosslinked by glutaraldehyde and 4, 4′‐methylenebis‐(phenyl isocyanate). The cortical cells were aligned along the regenerated fibers axis and retained quite a few α‐helical crystals of the intermediate filaments, benefitting improvement of mechanical properties. Consequently, the valuable chemical compositions and hierarchical microstructures of wool were largely inherited. Their mechanical properties, thermal stability, dyeing property, moisture absorption capability, and antistatic resistance resembled those of wool. The regenerated fibers contained 93.3 wt.% components of wool, and the amount of synthetic chemicals in the regenerated fibers was controlled to as low as 6.7 wt.%. Abstract : High‐performance continuous regenerated fibers with wool‐like structure are produced by wet‐spinning using cortical cells and linear keratin extracted from wool waste as reinforcement and adhesive, respectively. The valuable chemical compositions and hierarchical microstructures of wool are largely inherited, and the amount of synthetic chemicals in the regenerated fibers is controlled to as low as 6.7 wt.%. The regenerated keratin fibers possessed properties comparable to those of natural wool including mechanical properties, thermal stability, dyeing performance, antistatic property, and moisture absorption.