Miscellaneous Protein Plastics

Casein is the only protein that has achieved commercial significance as a plastics raw material. Many other proteins are readily available in many vegetable material residues which arise from such processes as the extraction of oils and starches from seeds. It would be advantageous to countries possessing such residues if plastics could be successfully exploited commercially. Although plastics materials have been produced they have failed to be of value since they are invariably dark in colour and still have the water susceptibility and long curing times, both of which are severe limitations of casein. 

Of these materials zein, the maize protein, has been used for plastics on a small scale. It can be cross-linked by formaldehyde but curing times are very long. Complicated bleaching processes have led to the production of almost colourless samples in the laboratory but the process cannot readily be extended to large-scale operation. The cured product has a greater water resistance than casein. Proteins from soya bean, castor bean and blood have also been converted into plastic masses but each have the attendant dark colour. 

In addition to the natural protein fibres wool and silk, fibres have been produced commercially from other proteins. These materials were introduced as wool substitutes but today have little or no significance. Mention may, however, be made of ArdiP products from the groundnut protein and marketed for some years after World War II by ICI. Compared with wool it had inferior wet and dry strength and abrasion resistance. The inclusion of up to 20% ArdiT into wool, however, yielded a product with negligible loss in wearing properties. 

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Chemical nature Isolation of casein from milk Production of casein plastics Properties of casein Applications Miscellaneous Protein Plastics Derivatives of Natural Rubber Gutta Percha and Related Materials Shellac... 

The primary uses of 1,2-dichloroethane (ethylene dichloride), 1,1-di-chloroethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride are as feed stocks for the production of chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons. Ethylene dichloride is used in the preparation of protein concentrates and in the extraction of natural oils. Chloroform is a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of plastic, dyes, resins, and fire extinguishing products. It is used as an extraction solvent for various pharmaceutical products as well as a reactant in the preparation of analgesics and anthelmintic drugs. Miscellaneous uses of carbon tetrachloride include synthesis of organic chemicals, dyes, drugs, and lubricants. 

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