About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
Symposium
|
Natural Fibers and Biocomposites: A Sustainable Solution
|
Presentation Title |
The Hierarchical Structure of Sheep Wool and its Impact on Physical Properties: A Comprehensive Study |
Author(s) |
Cecile Chazot, Serafina France Tribe, Paloma Lee, Caterina Czibula, Michael Thoman, Reiner Bleher, Keith Duncan, Christopher Topp, Vinayak Dravid |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Cecile Chazot |
Abstract Scope |
With hundreds of sheep breeds raised worldwide, wool is one of the most abundant and ubiquitous α-keratinous fiber. Despite this widespread abundance and genetic diversity, we lack fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships across length scales of hierarchical order, from chemical structure to nanoscale self-assembly, and microstructural topology. Here, we linked these structural characteristics to composite-relevant macroscopic properties, such as tensile strength, elastic modulus, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity. This comprehensive study across 16 sheep breeds enabled us to uncover a correlation between protein secondary structure, polymer crystallinity, and microscale topology, bridging the gap between the different length scales of hierarchical ordering. Moreover, we uncovered how multiscale assembly affects elastic properties and fiber surface energy. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the most comprehensive study of sheep wool structure and properties to date, contributing significant insight for the development and processing of α-keratinous fibers with tailored properties. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
Keywords |
Polymers, Biomaterials, Sustainability |