Exploring the Potential Applications of Wool Fibers in Composite Materials: A Review

Polymers (Basel). 2024 Aug 20;16(16):2360. doi: 10.3390/polym16162360.

Abstract

The use of renewable resources in composite materials is a vital strategy for enhancing sustainability in material science. Wool fibers are promising due to their unique properties, including thermal insulation and self-extinguishing characteristics. However, a substantial portion of wool is deemed unsuitable for textiles and is often discarded as waste. This review investigates the integration of wool fibers into polymer composites, aiming to improve sustainability and material performance. By analyzing recent advancements, this study highlights the potential of wool fibers to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties of composites. The findings support the development of eco-friendly materials that contribute to waste reduction and promote sustainable practices across various industries.

Keywords: cement-based composites; composites; polymer composites; sustainable materials; wool waste valorization.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.