Completely biobased composites of keratin and cellulose fibers

CELL 171

Naresh Budhavaram, nareshk@vt.edu and Justin R. Barone, jbarone@vt.edu. Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, 303 Seitz Hall (0303), Blacksburg, VA 24061
Short fiber-reinforced composites of cellulose fibers and keratin matrices were prepared by thermal processing. There were several cellulosic fibers used and good fiber/polymer interaction was observed for some compared to others. Given the partially hydrophilic nature of the keratin matrix, it was expected that interactions would be strong in each but acetyl content of the fiber may affect interactions. Optimal properties were found at greater than 20 wt% fiber and fiber aspect ratio of L/D=50 where modulus increased 8-12 times and tensile strength increased 1.5 times.