Cryogenic milling-based keratin microparticle production from Anatolian goat fibers and their structural, chemical and thermal properties

Abstract

Fibers procured from Anatolian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) furs were converted into keratin microparticles by the cryogenic milling method. Single-stage mechanical milling with a 2.5 h optimal grinding time was sufficient enough to generate the desired high-quality microparticles. No chemical solvents were utilized during the production process of keratin microparticles. Structural, chemical and thermal properties of keratin microparticles were assessed using particle size analyzer, stereo microscope, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (TM) surface analyzer, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry methods. According to the characterization results, microparticles with amorphous structure in micro size could be produced without any agglomeration during the milling process. Goat farming is usually for dairy products and their fibers have very limited use in the textile industry because of their flat structure. Therefore, the conversion of goat fibers into another product that can be used in other industrial areas is expected to contribute significantly to a sustainable economy.