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

Author

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  • Sandra Alvarez

    (University of Pau and the Adour Region, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-UMR 5254, 40004 Mont de Marsan, France
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Nidal Del Valle Raydan

    (University of Pau and the Adour Region, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-UMR 5254, 40004 Mont de Marsan, France
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Alvarez & Nidal Del Valle Raydan & Isabelle Svahn & Etienne Gontier & Klaus Rischka & Bertrand Charrier & Eduardo Robles, 2023. "Assessment and Characterization of Duck Feathers as Potential Source of Biopolymers from an Upcycling Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-26, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14201-:d:1247822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antoine Beylot & Antoine Hochar & Pascale Michel & Marie Descat & Yannick Ménard & Jacques Villeneuve, 2018. "Municipal Solid Waste Incineration in France: An Overview of Air Pollution Control Techniques, Emissions, and Energy Efficiency," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(5), pages 1016-1026, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Krzysztof M. Czajka & Janusz Skrzypa & Anna M. Kisiela-Czajka & Dominika Kufka & Barbara Rogosz, 2025. "Valorisation of Poultry Feathers Through Pyrolysis: A Pilot-Scale Waste-to-Energy Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-21, September.

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