Wheat gluten textile fibers

Researchers of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln produced protein fibers composed entirely of wheat gluten. First, the team made wheat gluten solutions with concentrations of 30% in 8 mole urea solution containing 1% sodium sulfite. After aging for 12 h to 36 h at 10-30°C, the solution was extruded into an aqueous coagulation bath containing 10% sodium sulfate and 10% sulfuric acid. The fibers were allows to remain in the coagulation bath for 15 min after which they were washed in warm water and air dried. The fibers were dipped in water by drawing them by hand to two or three times their original length to strengthen them. The fibers were annealed by heating in an oven.