Biolaminates as an Example of Upcycling Product with Keratin Flour—Research and Thermal Properties Modeling

Abstract

Keratin waste, including keratin powder, is a significant byproduct of the poultry processing and meat industries. It is a major contributor to waste management problems due to its volume and the environmental pollutants that it can produce. The disposal of keratin waste is challenging due to the potential for odors and pathogens to enter the soil and water. The aim of this work is to present the possibility of using waste materials in accordance with the principles of upcycling and producing fully valuable products. In this research, the author focuses on the production and research of textile multilayer laminates using keratin flour that had been previously considered waste material. New textile composites should be characterized by increased thermal insulation properties with constant comfort in use. This research determines the physiological comfort interpreted as the state of the human–laminate system, which maintains the conditions of comfort in human perception, i.e., constant temperature and humidity of the body under changing conditions of a relative humidity environment.

Keywords

• keratin flour
• upcycling materials
• textiles
• biolaminates
• thermal insulation
• modeling