Sustainable biopolymer fibers—production, properties and applications

Abstract

The ultimatum for renewable raw materials is growing steadily as the drive for a green economy and a sustainable future accelerates. Escalating environmental problems and changing attitudes of consumers have made petroleum-based manufactured products more expensive and less desirable in the present world. Biopolymers, which are biological or biologically derived polymers, are a petroleum-free source of fibers for the textile industry and have a significant positive impact by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels as well as the carbon foot print and may even offer cost and durability benefits compared with synthetic textiles. This chapter deals with the less investigated and emerging biopolymer fibers, which will have huge impact on sustainable luxury fashion in the future. Bio-fibers from animal protein (spider silk, hag fish slime), regenerated cellulose (seaweed), and regenerated protein (milk fiber) as well as biopolymers synthesized from bio-derived monomers (PLA, PTT) are discussed in depth. The raw materials for production/extraction of fibers and their properties, applications, and ecological impacts are discussed.