Physical properties characterization of Natural Protein Fibre Peacock Feather Barbs

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, the barbs of peacock feather were subjected to its physio-mechanical characterisation. Various properties of barbs viz., bundle strength, diameter, moisture regain, thermal stability, X-ray diffraction, colour intensity and FTIR was studied according standard analytical methods. The surface morphology of the barbs was examined using SEM images. The results indicate that the barb is a hollow vertical structure made up of protein. The average length and diameter of the barb was found to be 45 mm and 82 μm respectively. The FTIR study confirms the presence of characteristic peaks for protein, related to the keratinous material. The barbs seem to be semi-crystalline in nature, as indicated by X-ray study.