Fully Biodegradable Biocomposites with High Chicken Feather Content.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Chicken feathers (CF) represent a significant agricultural waste stream.
• Developing value-added products from waste materials is crucial for a circular economy.
• Biodegradable polymers offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel biodegradable polymeric composites with high chicken feather (CF) content.
• To evaluate the impact of CF concentration and matrix type on composite properties.
• To explore the potential of these composites as sustainable building materials.

Main Methods:

• Biocomposites were fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA), polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and a PLA blend with 50 and 60 wt% CF.
• Torque rheometry was employed for material processing.
• Physical, mechanical, thermal properties, and interfacial adhesion (via alkali treatment and plasticizer addition) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• High-loading CF biocomposites exhibited reduced mechanical strength but offered lower density and improved thermal insulation compared to neat bioplastics.
• Alkali treatment of CFs and addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) enhanced feather-matrix adhesion and wettability.
• The developed biocomposites are 100% biodegradable.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable composites with high CF content demonstrate potential as lightweight, insulating materials.
• Surface treatments and plasticizers improve interfacial properties for better performance.
• These materials present a viable, eco-friendly alternative to wood-plastic composites in construction applications, valorizing agricultural waste.