Low-strain dynamic mechanical properties of keratin fibers during water absorption

Important phenomena during water absorption by keratin fibers have been observed by various workers. In this paper, the dynamic mechanical properties of keratin fibers at a constant frequency and temperature have been studied during absorption while the fibers are held at a fixed low strain (< 1%). A characteristic overshoot in the loss angle during absorption has been observed, and an explanation in terms of the interaction between two phases in keratin fibers is presented.