Regenerated Keratin Fibres
topic
Keratin fibres from wool, hair, or feather waste via reduction of disulfide bonds (thiols), dissolution in reducing agents or ionic liquids, and wet spinning with re-oxidation forming new crosslinks. Properties: biocompatible, biodegradable, moisture regain 10-15%, inherent antimicrobial properties, tenacity 1.5-2.5 g/den. Research stage with limited commercial production.
Role
Valorizes keratinous waste (poultry feathers 8 million tonnes annually, wool processing waste) while producing functional fibres for medical textiles, sustainable fashion, and composites with inherent biological activity.