Preparation and characterization of hair keratin/gelatin blend films.

Abstract: Keratin solution was extracted from human hairs and used as subject for preparation of keratin/gelatin blend films. This study was aimed to explore the suitable method using for keratin extraction and extend to study the blend film properties. The blend films were prepared by simple evaporation method. After homogeneously mixed between keratin and gelatin solution at different ratios, the solution were placed on the plates and left in an oven at 40 degrees C for 3 days. All of the films were then analyzed for their morphology, secondary structures and thermal properties by using SEM, FTIR and TGA, respectively. The result from SEM images showed that native keratin films have the highest rough surface compared to other films. In addition, the smooth surface of films gradually increased when the gelatin content increased. Keratin blending with gelatin showed structural changes, especially at the absorption bands of 3300-2900 cm(-1) as well as the amide I, II and III regions. Moreover, thermal properties of the keratin films were enhanced by blending with gelatin. This study suggested that gelatin help to improve some properties of keratin while still remain its strength.