Physical properties characterization of Natural Protein Fibre Peacock Feather Barbs

In 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 m 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.