Biocomposites with a Content of Keratin from Chicken Feathers

Abstract

The market’s demand for fibrous materials with increased moisture retention is principally connected with the essential development of sanitary and cosmetic products. Keratin, which is included in feathers, appears to be an original raw material which enables fibrous composite materials of this kind to be manufactured. The aim of our investigation was to obtain different keratin forms from feathers, to identify and determine these forms, and to indicate new application directions connected with fibres and fibrous products. An optimum extraction method for obtaining keratin from chicken feathers was developed, and an attempt was made to obtain stable keratin solutions with the addition of other biopolymers, such as cellulose and alginate.