Abstract: Disclosed is a process for solubilising cellulose and coagulating the resulting solution to form a cellulose-containing material. The process comprises contacting a cellulose source with a solvent comprising zinc ions and formic acid to provide a solution, coagulating the solution to provide a solid material, and isolating the solid material after treatment, to provide the cellulose-containing material. The process further involves a method of stabilising the solid material, such as treating the solid material with a reducing agent, treating the solid material in water at an elevated temperature, treating the solid material with an organic solvent, pre-treating the cellulose-containing solution with a freeze-thaw cycle and/or isolating a cellulose formate intermediate. The process can further comprise solubilising protein and coagulating the resulting solution to form a cellulose/protein-containing material.

Abstract: Disclosed are keratin fibre cellular components, specifically keratin fibre cuticle and cortical cells, and their use as absorption and filtration media, and in thermal insulation materials. The keratin fibre cellular components may be oxidised. The keratin fibre cellular components have improved absorbency and filtration capacity compared to the source keratin fibres. The keratin fibre cellular components may be used in, for example, various products for passive absorption and active filtration of gas or liquid media.