Properties of Some Wool Keratin Copolymers

The properties of keratin following the formation of polymers in situ have been studied. It is important to determine any effects of the initiatory system on keratin in order to assess the role of the added polymer, The water content of the copolymer usually differs from that of the keratin and polymer measured as separate entities and influences the observed physical properties. Deposition of polymer has little direct effect on properties unless reaction with the keratin structure occurs. Observed physical properties suggest that polymer is predominately formed in the matrix component.