Biodegradable composite from discarded hair keratin and graphene oxide with improved mechanical, thermal and barrier properties: an eco‐friendly solution to waste materials

Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing concern to counter environmental pollution, and as a result the development of biodegradable materials in various applications has become a major focus. This study aimed to fabricate a biodegradable composite by utilizing discarded hair keratin from beamhouse processing in leather production along with incorporating graphene oxide (GO) to reduce pollution. The composite was prepared using a simple solution mixing method, where the amino functional group of keratin and the carboxyl group of GO were covalently bonded under a redox system. Various analyses, including UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, biodegradability and oxygen gas transmittance rate, were carried out to evaluate the composite's structure and performance. The results demonstrated…