The aim of this work was to develop new biodegradable polymeric materials with highloadings of chicken feather (CF). In this study, the effect of CF concentration and the type ofbiodegradable matrix on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites wasinvestigated. The selected biopolymers were polylactic acid (PLA), polybutyrate adipateterephthalate (PBAT) and a PLA/thermoplastic copolyester blend. The studied biocomposites weremanufactured with a torque rheometer having a CF content of 50 and 60 wt %. Due to the low tensilestrength of CFs, the resulting materials were penalized in terms of mechanical properties. However,high-loading CF biocomposites resulted in lightweight and thermal-insulating materials whencompared with neat bioplastics. Additionally, the adhesion between CFs and the PLA matrix wasalso investigated and a significant improvement of the wettability of the feathers was obtained withthe alkali treatment of the CFs and the addition of a plasticizer like polyethylene glycol (PEG).Considering all the properties, these 100% fully biodegradable biocomposites could be adequate forpanel components, flooring or building materials as an alternative to wood–plastic composites,contributing to the valorisation of chicken feather waste as a renewable material.
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