Sustainable Biopolymer Based on Tung Oil and Tung Free Fatty Acids for Hair Tensile Enhancement

The study explores the development of a sustainable biopolymer using Tung oil (TO) and Tung free fatty acids (TF) for enhancing hair tensile strength. The TO–TF copolymer, created through a vortex fluidic device-assisted process, forms a homogeneous film that improves mechanical resilience and thermal stability. When applied as an emulsion to bleached hair, it provides uniform coverage and cuticle sealing, significantly enhancing mechanical recovery. The treatment increased yield stress from 89 to 124 MPa and improved Young’s modulus by over 40%, demonstrating its potential as an eco-friendly solution for hair repair.