Effect of Chicken Feather and Boron Compounds as Filler on Mechanical and Flame Retardancy Properties of Polymer Composite Materials

Abstract

Abstract Sustainable utilization of solid waste has been influenced by increasing population of the world. Benefits of using solid waste based on natural fiber in polymer material are biodegradability and cost effectiveness. In poultry farms, chicken poultry, one of the slaughterhouse wastes, is confronted as 30 thousand tons of waste per year in Turkey. The evaluation of this waste, which is quite rich in keratin, is extremely important both for the solution of the waste problem and for bringing this valuable material to the economy. These fibers are stable, durable and biodegradable because they have a crystalline structure. However, this valuable waste will have a positive effect when used together with boron minerals which both increase the mechanical properties, flame retardancy and biodegradation of composite material. The aim of this study is to manufacture superior polyester-based composite materials reinforced with three kinds of boron minerals such as; boron oxide, borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate and fibers recycled from waste chicken feathers. The effect of different filling ratios of filling materials on the mechanical and physical properties of composite materials was examined. Flame retardancy properties of the composites with best mechanical results were investigated. After pouring by means of the precasting process, the water absorption and swelling thickness of final products, as well as density, bending strength, flexural modulus, limiting oxygen index (LOI), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis) and SEM analysis, was performed. Mixing prescriptions and conditions with the best properties were determined. According to mechanical, physical and flame retardancy analysis it can be concluded that chicken feather and boron compounds have a good synergic effect when used together in composite material instead of using boron compounds /chicken feather alone.