Regenerated protein fibres

The raw materials used for the preperation of regenerated protein fibres may be milk, soyabeans, peanuts and zein. Sometimes alkaline solutions of gelatin, albumin and other raw materials like waste wool, silk and feathers may be used. Fibrolane (Great Bretain) and Merineva (Italy) are made by dissolving casein in sodium hydroxide, and then by extrusion into an acid/saltbath. The fibres formed in this way... 

The success of the regenerated cellulosic fibres stimulated the imagination of chemists. The obvious sequel was to produce a regenerated protein with properties resembling wool or silk. Much research and capital expenditure has been devoted to the production of lanital from milk casein, ardil from ground-nut protein, saran from soya bean, and vicara from maize. None of them proved really commercially successful and their manufacture has now virtually ceased. 

Synthetic fibres, manufactured fibres can be divided into those derived from natural polymers (such as regenerated protein fibres rayon, cellulose acetates, or alginates) and those derived from synthetic polymers including nylons, polyesters, acrylics, and polyolefins. 

Azlons are fibres regenerated from protein sources that include soy, com, peanuts and even milk. Products used in sports fabrics derived from com will be discussed under synthetics. 

Other than animals, agricultural materials can also be cmisidered as an ideal source of protein and are prospective materials for the preparation of fibres. Fibres of regenerated protein were produced commercially in between 1930 and 1950, and by today s standards, they would be considered natural, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable. Casein from milk was used by M/s Courtaulds Ltd. to make Fibrolane and by M/s Snia to make Lanital groundnut (peanut) protein was used by... 

In the 1940s, there was considerable uncertainty over how to categorise and name regenerated protein fibres. Researchers were experimenting with a variety of animal and vegetable protein sources to create a wool-like fibre... 

Blended regenerated protein fibres. This is an upholstery fabric containing soya bean fibre. (Photograph courtesy of Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, from the publication Synthetic Fibers and Textiies (Bulletin 300), Fletcher H.M., 1942.)... 

Table 13.2 Selected patents for regenerated protein fibres using soya bean protein... 

Improvements in regenerated protein fibres and process for preparation thereof... 

Method to produce a regenerated protein fibre with improved resistance to aqueous processing by forming insoluble condensation bodies within the fibre. Protein sources cited include casein, soya beans, peanuts, zein, silk waste and fish albumen... 

Traill, D. (1951), Some trials by ingenious inquisitive persons regenerated protein fibres . Journal of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, 67, 270. 

Brooks, M.M., Regenerated Protein Fibres a Preliminary Review , in Handbook of Textile Fibre Structure, Volume II Natural, Regenerated, Inorganic and Specialist Fibres, editors Eichhom, S.J., Hearle, J.W.S., Jaffe, M., and Kikutani, T, Woodhead Pubhshing Limited, 2009. 

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