Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
4th International Symposium on Graduate Research (DEUISGR 2025), İzmir, Türkiye, 17 - 19 Aralık 2025, ss.9, (Özet Bildiri)
The conversion of abundant waste streams into value-added products is a critical component of sustainable development and a core tenet of the circular economy. Chicken feathers, a keratinous by-product of the poultry industry, are emerging as a promising reinforcement for polymeric materials. Their inherent low density and hierarchical structure make them a compelling candidate for lightweight composites. This review systematically analyzes the scientific literature on the use of chicken feather fibers (CFF) in polymer composites, focusing on principal challenges and engineering solutions. The analysis demonstrates that the primary obstacle remains the interfacial incompatibility between the hydrophilic nature of keratin fibers —rich in amino acids and hydroxyl groups— and the hydrophobic character of most commercial polymer matrices. This thermodynamic mismatch prevents effective wetting of the fiber surface by the polymer melt, leading to the formation of voids that act as stress concentration points, which critically impairs composite performance. To overcome this limitation, a range of surface treatments has been systematically investigated. Strategies range from physical modifications, such as alkali (NaOH) treatment which removes surface impurities and increases surface roughness for mechanical interlocking, to chemical coupling using agents such as silanes or maleic anhydride-grafted compatibilizers that function by creating a molecular bridge between the fiber and the matrix. The efficacy of these strategies, however, is strongly contingent on the selected polymer system and frequently results in performance trade-offs. For instance, enhancements in tensile and flexural properties are often achieved at the expense of other critical parameters like material toughness. This reduction occurs because the restricted mobility of polymer chains at the rigidified interface limits the composite’s ability to absorb energy during impact. Such trade-offs limit their practical, cost-effective application. This study reveals that the vast majority of existing research has concentrated on optimizing fundamental mechanical properties. Consequently, a significant research gap persists regarding functional performance metrics imperative for real-world applications, particularly in the construction and automotive sectors. These neglected areas include long-term durability, fire safety, and acoustic and thermal insulation performance. Therefore, to successfully transition CFF from an animal waste by-product to a high-value resource, it is posited that future research must pivot from single-property optimization towards a holistic, multi-functional material design paradigm that incorporates rigorous life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses.