Application of Keratin Biopolymer in the Textile Industry

Abstract

Keratin is one of the most abundant biopolymers derived from animal sources, with a significant contribution from by-products of the cattle, ovine, and poultry industries, providing numerous potential to manufacture cost-effective and sustainable advanced materials. Even though many reviews have examined keratin use in polymer-based biomaterials, little attention has been paid to its potential in conjunction with other polymer matrices. As a result, we give an exhaustive literature analysis describing keratin's compatibility with other synthetic, biosynthetic, and natural polymers, as well as its effect on the final properties of the materials in various applications, especially in the textile industry.