Structure and Properties of Chicken Feather Barbs as Natural Protein Fibers

Abstract

The structure and properties of chicken feather barbs makes them unique fibers preferable for several applications. The presence of hollow honeycomb structures, their low density, high flexibility and possible structural interaction with other fibers when made into products such as textiles provides them unique properties unlike any other natural or synthetic fibers. No literature is available on the physical structure and tensile properties of chicken feather barbs. In this study, we report the physical and morphological structure and the properties of chicken feather barbs for potential use as natural protein fibers. The morphological structure of chicken feather barbs is similar to that of the rachis but the physical structure of the protein crystals in chicken feather barbs is different than that reported for feather rachis keratin. The tensile properties of barbs in terms of their strength and modulus are similar but the elongation is lower than that of wool. Using the cheap and abundant feathers as protein fibers will conserve the energy, benefit the environment and also make the fiber industry more sustainable.

Kinetics of Photo-Induced Chemiluminescence Decay from Polymers

“…The crystallinity fractions of isotactic PP, PA6 and wool fibres quoted in the literature are PP 0.45-0.5, 24 PA6 0.4 25 and wool 0.25 26 and crystallinity does not vary significantly with temperature except close to the melting point, so it appears that the fraction of unreactive macroradicals formed by exposure to UVA is not related to polymer crystallinity.…”

Sustainable Management of Keratin Waste Biomass: Applications and Future Perspectives

“…It consist of 90% of keratin and can be utilized for industrial applications (Teresa and Justyna 2011). But certain limitations in feather keratin processing like poor solubility has restricted its use and increased the cost of process (Reddy and Yang 2007). However, its solubility in water raises at high temperature, low/acidic pH and in presence of chemical reducing agent (i.e.…”

“…Keratin hydrolysate is used in filling cum retaining operation in leather processing (Sastry et al 1986;Sehgal et al 1987;Karthikeyan et al 2007). Hand spun yans can be made by blending feathers fibers (barbs) with cotton (Reddy and Yang 2007). Yarn sizing agent is a protective layer added on to the surface of yarns to improve weaving performance.…”

“…(Xu et al, 2014a) Micro and Nanoparticles (Sun et al, 2009) Nanoparticle for medical application Graphene oxide and its derivative in biomaterials (Amieva et al, 2014) As a diet supplement for feeding ruminants (Coward-Kelly et al, 2006) (Dalev, 1994) (Dalev et al, 1996) (Dalev et al, 1997) As a microporous material used as electrode material (Zhan and Wool, 2011) Thermoplastic films for packaging of food ) (Jin et al, 2011 Waste managment using microorganisms in degradation (Vasileva-Tonkova et al, 2009) (Syed et al, 2009) (Grazziotin et al, 2006) Leather processing (Sastry et al, 1986) (Sehgal et al, 1987) (Karthikeyan et al, 2007) Hand spun yan (Reddy and Yang, 2007) Textile yarns (Reddy et al, 2014a) ) ) Keratinases in detergents formulation (Balakumar et al, 2013) (Manivasagan et al, 2014) (Rai et al, 2009) Flame retardant (Wang et al, 2014) Bio-composites or composite fabrication (Flores-Hernández et al, 2014) (Spiridon et al, 2012) (Huda and Yang, 2008) (Gurav and Jadhav, 2013) (Hadas and Kautsky, 1994) (Gousterova et al, 2012) The enzyme keratinases can be used as a fertilizer for de-hairing in leather industry, detergent, feed and other biomedical products. Keratinase can be isolated and purified from poultry feathers (Balakumar et al 2013).…”

Utilizing discarded plastic bags as matrix material for composites reinforced with chicken feathers

“…Feathers are inevitably generated when rearing poultry, have some distinctive properties such as low density and unique structural arrangement unlike any other natural polymers and are also biodegradable, renewable, and inexpensive. 6 Therefore, considerable attempts have been made to utilize feathers for various applications. [7][8][9][10][11] However, unlike plastics, feathers are nonthermoplastic that restrics the use of feathers for industrial applications.…”