Acrylic/keratin composite of enhanced dyeability towards cationic and anionic dyes

Acrylic and keratin industrial wastes were dissolved, each separately, in their respective proper solvents. The soluble keratin was regenerated into powder and then mixed with the soluble acrylic to form an acrylic/keratin composite that was finally cast into film. The topography of the acrylic/keratin film was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the obtained film was assigned using elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The substantivity of the prepared acrylic/keratin film towards anionic (acid and reactive) and cationic (basic) dyes was studied. The obtained film exhibited high dyeability towards both acid and reactive dyes even at relatively low dyeing temperatures. Hydrazine hydrate was used to enhance the dyeability of the said film with acid and reactive dyes. Kinetic studies of the dyeing of the film with anionic dyes were also conducted.