Structure and properties of keratin/PEO blend nanofibres

Keratin proteins are the major component of hair, feathers, wool and horns and represent an important source of renewable raw materials for many applications. Regenerated keratin has useful properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, keratin materials can absorb heavy metal ions, formaldehyde and other VOCs. In this work, regenerated keratin was blended with aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in different proportion in order to improve its processability. Keratin/PEO nanofibres were produced by electrospinning the blend aqueous solutions. The chemical, physical and rheological characteristics of the blend solutions were correlated with morphology, structural, thermal and mechanical properties of the electrospun mats.