Synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol-based bioplastic film incorporated with keratin extracted from duck feathers

The growing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has led to increased interest in biodegradable alternatives. However, many bioplastics still face limitations in terms of cost, mechanical properties, and degradability. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an eco-friendly bioplastic film. Our methodology involves utilizing discarded feather keratin sourced from duck feathers, which is then incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The PVA matrix, along with the keratin filler, provides the bioplastic film with the necessary attributes for biodegradability as well as imparting mechanical and thermal properties that make it suitable for a wide range of sustainable applications. The keratin was successfully extracted from waste duck feathers, resulting in a commendable yield of 79%. The bioplastic film was prepared using different concentrations of the constituents and subsequently analyzed using various characterization techniques. The thermal and mechanical properties of the bioplastic exhibited a notable enhancement when compared to pure PVA. The prepared film's optimal composition was determined to be P5K0.05 (PVA 5 wt.% and Keratin 0.05 wt.%). The other characterization techniques, such as FTIR, SEM, and TGA, also exhibit a commendable agreement with the obtained results. The results of the cytotoxicity assessment indicated that the prepared bioplastic exhibits biocompatibility.