Soybean Protein Fibres Part 1: Structure, Production and Environmental Effects of Soybean Protein Fibres

• Published in: Uludağ University Journal of The Faculty of Engineering Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 29 - 50
• Main Authors: YILDIRIM, Fatma Filiz, AVİNÇ, Osman Ozan, YAVAŞ, Arzu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bursa Uludag University 21.12.2014
• Subjects: Soybean protein fiber, soybean, softness, renewable, biodegradable, sustainable
• ISSN: 2148-4147; 2148-4155
• DOI: 10.17482/uujfe.91482

Soybean fiber (SPF) is a protein based botanic fibre. These fibers exhibit very good physical properties such as brightness, softness and drape. Moreover, SPF has a variety of health functionalities and anti-bacterial properties. Fibers were first produced in the 20th mid-century. However due to the significant challenges encountered during the production of SPF, interest for these fibers was decreased. At the end of the 20 th century, SPF re-captured attention due to an increased awakening on ecological, renewable and sustainable fiber concept. Soybean is cheap and abundant. Tenacity of SPF was improved by including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Therefore, the production and the usage of SPF are increasing rapidly because of these key advantages. Soybean fibers usually is used in blends with other fibers. In Turkey, a variety of different products are produced from this special fiber. This review, about SPF, is divided into two sections. In the first part; structure and production stages of SPF and its enviromental effects have been described. In the second part of this review, properties and application areas of SPF have been described. The purpose of this review is to fill a gap in the Turkish literature about this bio-degradable, renewable and sustainable SPF.