Physical properties characterization of Natural Protein Fibre Peacock Feather Barbs

Abstract

In the present study, the barbs of peacock feather were subjected to its physio-mechanical characterisation. Various properties of barbs, bundle strength, diameter, moisture regain, thermal stability, X-ray diffraction, colour intensity and FTIR was studied according to 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 were found to be 45 mm and 82 microns 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.