Assessment and Characterization of Duck Feathers as Potential Source of Biopolymers from an Upcycling Perspective

Sandra Alvarez, Nidal Del Valle Raydan, Isabelle Svahn, Etienne Gontier, Klaus Rischka, Bertrand Charrier and Eduardo Robles ()
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Sandra Alvarez: University of Pau and the Adour Region, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-UMR 5254, 40004 Mont de Marsan, France
Nidal Del Valle Raydan: University of Pau and the Adour Region, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-UMR 5254, 40004 Mont de Marsan, France
Isabelle Svahn: Bordeaux Imaging Center/Electronic Imaging, UAR 3420 CNRS US4 INSERM, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Etienne Gontier: Bordeaux Imaging Center/Electronic Imaging, UAR 3420 CNRS US4 INSERM, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Klaus Rischka: Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), 28359 Bremen, Germany
Bertrand Charrier: University of Pau and the Adour Region, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-UMR 5254, 40004 Mont de Marsan, France
Eduardo Robles: University of Pau and the Adour Region, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-UMR 5254, 40004 Mont de Marsan, France

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-26

Abstract: A comprehensive characterization of the physical and chemical properties of whole duck feathers from French mulard species, including their various categories and fractions (barbs, rachis, and calamus), was conducted to explore potential ways for utilizing this waste product. This analysis aimed to identify opportunities for valorizing these feathers and unlocking their untapped potential. Hence, the duck feathers were thoroughly characterized by a proximate analysis to determine their composition and theoretical heating value. Additionally, feathers underwent other analyses as Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis, solvent behavior and chemical durability assessment, hydrophobicity testing, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The analyses revealed duck feather composition, molecular weight, stability in different environments, hydrophobicity, functional groups present, thermal behavior, crystallinity, and structural arrangement. Upon analysis, it was determined that duck feathers contain pure fiber keratin and possess characteristics that make them suitable for the production of high-value keratin-based products, including cosmetics, activated carbon for purification, materials for waterproofing, lightweight construction, and textile innovations, underscoring their potential to support sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives across various sectors.

Keywords: duck feathers; renewable resource; bio-based polymers; physical properties; chemical properties; high-value byproducts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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