Preparation, characterization of feather protein-g-poly(sodium allyl sulfonate) and its application as a low-temperature adhesive to cotton and viscose fibers for warp sizing

Fulfilling high-valued utilization of feather wastes will favor overcoming environmental issues and promoting the poultry farmers’ income. This study developed a new bio-based protein sizing agent [feather protein- g -poly(sodium allyl sulfonate) (FP- g -PSAS)] with high adhesion capacity to viscose and cotton fibers at low temperature, through graft copolymerization of feather protein with SAS monomer by building an ammonium persulfate (APS)/ SH groups (on the protein chains) redox system. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS) demonstrated the successful preparation of FP- g -PSAS samples. The samples were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric (TG) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Viscosity, water-solubility, light transmittance and adhesion of the samples were investigated. The FP- g -PSAS exhibited high water-solubility and light transmittance. Compared with feather protein, an increased viscosity and an improved adhesion to both fibers for FP- g -PSAS samples were exhibited at 60 °C. With the rises in grafting ratios, viscosity and adhesion strengths to both fibers gradually increased. The FP- g -PSAS samples had the similar adhesion strengths in comparison with the modified starches investigated in our previous works. These results indicated that FP- g -PSAS showed the potential in the application of viscose and cotton warp sizing at a low temperature of 60 °C.