Graft polymerization onto wool fibre for improved functionality

Abstract

Internal deposition of specific monomers into the wool structure can alter its physiochemical properties, such as, improving thermal and mechanical stability, or improving the chemical resistance. Wool has a number of functional pendant groups e.g., thiol, amino and hydroxyl with the ability to form bonds with various vinyl monomers. There are number of irradiation and chemical based methods for the initiation of the grafting including metal and non-metal ion oxidisers and hydroperoxides. In this review, the techniques that are available for the internal deposition of the different monomers into the wool structure were reviewed with a focus on the properties of the grafted wool, such as, the thermal stability and the chemical and mechanical properties. The major grafting mechanisms are summarized and the effect of important parameters on the grafting reaction are discussed. These include time, temperature, pH and the concentration of grafting initiators and the monomers.

Current status of biobased and biodegradable food packaging materials: Impact on food quality and effect of innovative processing technologies

“…Graft copolymerization is a well-known technique to enhance specific properties of natural polymers without affecting its intrinsic properties (Shavandi & Ali, 2019). MW-assisted grafting method can produce faster free radicals to initiate and propagate the grafting reaction more effectively and thus results in higher polymer yield with better physicochemical properties as compared to the conventional grafting method where thermal heating is utilized.…”

Keratin Associations with Synthetic, Biosynthetic and Natural Polymers: An Extensive Review

“…More specific details on the mechanism of graft polymerization onto wool fibres and its effect on the structure, mechanical and thermal properties can be found in another review article by Shavandi and Ali [149].…”

Keratin based thermoplastic biocomposites: a review

“…Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol biocompatibility and fire retardant capability, however, these by-products are not usually utilised effectively, and due to the high (3-4%) sulphur content of these materials, landfilling or burning can have an adverse impact on the environment (Shavandi and Ali 2019). The application of the protein fibres for reinforcement of polymer composites is one interesting method for processing and development or production of new commodities from these biomasses, and at the same time reduces and recycles these by-products (Conzatti et al 2013).…”