The Use of Sheep Wool Collected from Sheep Bred in the Kyrgyz Republic as a Component of Biodegradable Composite Material
Source abstract
Abstract
Biocomposites based on natural fibres represent a promising solution for the circular economy. The aim of this study was to develop and characterise a biodegradable composite based on sheep wool from herds raised in the Kyrgyz Republic and polylactide (PLA 4032D). Composite samples with a wool–PLA ratio of 50:50 were fabricated by thermoforming at a temperature of 168 °C for 30 s (n = 10). Mechanical properties tests were performed (PN-EN ISO 604—compression tests), for impact resistance (Charpy method), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and measurements of density and thermal conductivity. Biodegradation samples were subjected to enriched soil conditions for 6 weeks in two variants (with and without irrigation). The results showed that the addition of sheep wool to the PLA matrix significantly increased compressive strength (23.56 ± 5.23 MPa) and impact energy absorption (226.2 ± 23.8 kJ/m2) compared to neat PLA. After biodegradation, a 59% reduction in compressive strength was observed while maintaining an increase in fracture energy, suggesting a change in the failure mechanism. The density (0.27 ± 0.02 g/cm3) and the thermal conductivity (0.127 W/m·K) comparable to polymer foams indicate potential for thermal insulation applications. Microscopy and DSC analysis confirmed complete biodegradation under soil conditions. The developed biocomposite from Kyrgyz sheep wool demonstrates the potential for valorisation of local fibrous waste for biodegradable materials with functional insulation properties.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites · Collagen: Extraction and Characterization · Textile materials and evaluations
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Glass Technology and Amorphous Coatings, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Department of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture Management, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University in Biszkek, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan
Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 31-059 Krakow, Poland
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Funding
National Centre for Research and Development
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