A novel strategy for producing high‐performance continuous regenerated fibers with wool‐like structure

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 H 2 O 2 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.%.

Reinforced Wool Keratin Fibers via Dithiol Chain Re‐bonding

“…It is well known that natural wool has two characteristic diffraction peaks, representing α‐helix (2θ = 9°) and β‐sheet (2θ = 20°) keratin fibrils. [ 54 ] As summarized in the 1D XRD pattern in Figure S18 and Table S2 (Supporting Information), the drafted RWKF exhibits suppressed features of α‐helix and promoted crystallization.…”

“…The resultant RWKF demonstrated a similar decomposition temperature at 240.2 °C in N 2 atmosphere, which is quite close to that of coarse wool with rigid scale layer protection. [ 54 ] Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the degradation rate and weight loss rate between RWKF and natural wool, which can be attributed to the similar crystallinity of natural wool and the high degree of disulfide crosslinking of RWKF.…”

Efficient Extraction of Wool Keratin Governed by Simultaneous Cation and Anion Effects: From Secondary Structure Studies to High α-Helix Keratin Content

“…13 Cao et al separated the cortical layer of wool fiber by the microwave method to increase the content of α-helix structure in the spinning solution, which is helpful for wool keratin regenerated fiber. 14 Cera et al prepared wool keratin solution using dithiothreitol (DTT) and lithium bromide and applied it in shape-memory materials. 1 Based on the above-mentioned results, the technological challenge involved in green processing and the high yield of α-helix keratin is still unresolved.…”

Recyclable thermally conductive poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites prepared via forced infiltration

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The insufficient internal heat dissipation of electronic components will result in the substantial reduction of equipment life and stability. [8][9][10][11][12] Therefore, there exist urgent needs for thermal interface material (TIM) with excellent thermal conductivity to improve the heat dissipation capacity of heat-producing equipment. [13][14][15][16][17] So far, the global market demand for TIMs has exceeded 1.1 billion dollars.…”

“…The miniaturization of equipment size brings great challenge to heat dissipation 1–7 . The insufficient internal heat dissipation of electronic components will result in the substantial reduction of equipment life and stability 8–12 . Therefore, there exist urgent needs for thermal interface material (TIM) with excellent thermal conductivity to improve the heat dissipation capacity of heat‐producing equipment 13–17 .…”