Production and characterization of human hair keratin bioplastic films with novel plasticizers.

ABSTRACT: Since their invention, conventional plastics have contributed in the betterment of the society in numerous ways, nevertheless their deleterious impacts on the natural ecosystems and living creatures is irrefutable. The management of plastic waste generated is a concern worldwide and therefore quest for the plastic alternates or bioplastics is imminent. Here, we explore the suitability of keratin from human hair waste as the candidate for the production of bioplastic films. Keratin extracted from hair was used to form the films or 'kertics' by solution casting and curing. Ethanediol, di-ethylene glycol and tri-ethylene glycol were used as novel plasticizers along with glycerol in the keratin film formation. The film prepared were of the thickness 190-220 µm with the area of about 4.54 ± 0.2

SUBMITTER: Shubha A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10786936 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature