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

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 H2O2 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.%.

Keywords

• continuous regenerated fibers
• cortical cells
• keratin
• wet‐spinning
• wool waste