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From around WWI to soon after WWII a number of protein-based wool-like fibers were manufactured. Azlon is the generic name for a fiber made from regenerated protein. The sources were soy, peanuts, corn and milk.

During WWII, skim milk was not rationed in the U.S., and milk protein (casein) fiber was popular under the trade name Aralac. Fibrolane, Lanital, and Merinova were additional brands. Protein-fiber fabrics also included peanut-based Ardil, and Vicara was made from corn protein. Some protein-based fibers are still made today but not in significant quantities. The fibers are weak, especially when wet, and other manufactured fibers—particularly acrylic—have taken azlon’s place.