Characterization of Electrospun Cellulose and Keratin Nonwovens

The textile industry is the second largest global polluter, mainly due to the intensive use of non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, which account for about 35% of the microplastics contaminating the marine environment annually. Chicken feathers, an abundant byproduct of poultry farming, represent approximately 10% of the bird’s weight and contain about 90% β-keratin, a biodegradable and biocompatible protein. This study investigated the potential of keratin extracted from these feathers, combined with cellulose acetate as a biodegradable, naturally derived auxiliary polymer, for the production of electrospun nonwoven fabrics, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers.

The obtained samples were characterized by thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The DSC curves indicated that nanofibers with a 10% concentration presented a higher amount of adsorbed moisture, thus requiring a higher temperature for the endothermic dehydration event. Regarding the endothermic degradation event, no significant differences were observed among the samples.

The FTIR spectra revealed some characteristic functional groups, within the ranges of 1700 cm⁻¹ (C=O), 1200 cm⁻¹ (C–O stretching), and 1000 cm⁻¹ (C–O stretching).

SEM analysis showed that nanofibers with 5% keratin concentration had the smallest diameters; however, these samples also exhibited a greater amount of beads/fine agglomerates.

It is worth noting that, in the electrospinning process, the increase in keratin content affected conductivity and surface tension, requiring higher voltage during electrospinning. Lower deposition of nanofibers on the metallic collector, a cloudier coloration, and reduced viscosity of the polymer solution were also observed.

This work demonstrated innovation by proving the feasibility of producing sustainable nonwoven fabrics through electrospinning of cellulose acetate incorporated with chicken feather keratin. In addition to adding value to an abundant waste and reducing environmental impacts, it integrates innovation and circular economy principles.