Feathers as a Flame-Retardant in Elastic Polyurethane Foam

An account is given herein of research results for composites of elastic polyurethane (EPUR) combined with milled poultry feathers. We present the properties of keratin fibres obtained from feathers and the change in those properties which the feathers induce in the EPUR foam. The structure of the composites was determined by spectrophotometric( FTIR), thermal-(DSC) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Assessed were also the burning-and acoustic properties, and thermal conductivity. The addition of ground feathers to EPUR increases its limiting oxygen index and reduces the effect of "falling drop". Another benefit is a distinct increase in the temperature of the maximum degradation rate of the foam hard phase.