Thermoplastics obtaining from chicken feathers

Abstract

Biodegradables thermoplastics were obtained from keratin of chicken feathers. The chicken feathers contain most of a protein called keratin, which was the main study in the investigation, since then to be obtained is proceeded to polymerize, to obtain the thermoplastic. It was used a direct method Keratin obtained that was validated by testing in the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry), equipment which allowed to separate the components of the same, which were validated with bibliographic data. The keratin was subjected to a process of polymerization with glycerin and collagen as plasticizer agents, and was then carried out physical evidence, that showed a better polymerization with collagen that with glycerin; however, the polymer obtained showed low quality. In conclusion, it was found that the concentrations of the reagents used play an important role at the time of polymerization, since these depend on the quality of the film biodegradable, as well as the drying and washing of the keratin, processes in which there must maintain a neutral pH or nearby.