Milk fiber or milk wool is a type of Azlon, a regenerated protein fiber based on the casein protein found in milk. There are several trade names for milk-casein-based fibers, including Lanital, Fibrolane and Aralac.
Invention and history[edit]
First produced and patented in Italy in 1935 by Antonio Ferretti[1] and sold under the name Lanital, milk fiber was created under an Italian national self-sufficiency drive and was intended to capitalize on previous successes with rayon.[2] Milk fibers enjoyed a brief period of success in the 1930s and 1940s. The popularity of milk fibers declined rapidly once full-synthetic fibers were developed. Fully synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, were able to significantly undercut milk fiber on price while being more durable.[3] During the 2010s several producers tried to reintroduce milk fibers to commercial production.
Production process[edit]
The production process of milk fiber was of some public interest and was documented on film by several contemporary sources.[4] A simplified overview of the process is as follows:[5]
- Acid is mixed with milk to extract the casein.
- Water is evaporated to form casein crystals.
- The casein is hydrated to a thick syrup and extruded through spinnerets.
- The resulting fiber is passed through a hardening bath.
- The continuous fiber is then cut to the desired length.
References[edit]
- ^ "Artificial Wool Production in Italy". Nature. 140 (3556): 1090. 1 December 1937. doi:10.1038/1401090a0. ISSN 1476-4687.
- ^ Waters, Michael (28 July 2017). "How Clothing Made From Milk Became the Height of Fascist Fashion". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
- ^ "Making clothes from milk". 2 August 2017.
- ^ Making Wool From Milk (1937), retrieved 27 November 2019
- ^ "H. Irving Crane Papers". National Museum of American History. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
