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Fibers procured from Anatolian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) furs were converted into keratin microparticles by the cryogenic milling method. Single-stage mechanical milling with a 2.5 h optimal grinding time was sufficient enough to generate the desired high-quality microparticles. No chemical solvents were utilized during the production process of keratin microparticles. Structural, chemical and thermal properties of keratin microparticles were assessed using particle size analyzer, stereo microscope, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller™ surface analyzer, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry methods. According to the characterization results, microparticles with amorphous structure in micro size could be produced without any agglomeration during the milling process. Goat farming is usually for dairy products and their fibers have very limited use in the textile industry because of their flat structure. Therefore, the conversion of goat fibers into another product that can be used in other industrial areas is expected to contribute significantly to a sustainable economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, keratin particles were obtained from wool fibers by the cryogenic milling method without utilizing any chemical solvent. The optimal milling period and low energy expenditures are the predominant advantages of the proposed method as the first attempt to incorporate cryogenic milling into the process of keratin production from a wool resource. The configuration, size distribution, surface area, crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal properties of keratin particles were assessed by a particle size analyzer, stereo microscope, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller™ surface analyzer, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analyzer measurements. The characterization results indicate no alteration in the structural and chemical properties of keratin microparticles after cryogenic milling. The procurement of waste fibers from wool, one of the main raw materials of the textile industry, and processing them into keratin particles by an environment-friendly and innovative method can be considered the pioneering aspects of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]