Optimization of synthesis keratin/cellulose/PVA-glycerol biofilm

The abundance of non-biodegradable plastic waste in the environment has concerned the world since its mass production in the 1950s. On the other hand, the same problem happened to biomass waste, i.e., poultry feathers. In this work, keratin extracted from chicken feathers by acid hydrolysis was blended with microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and glycerol to form bioplastic via solution casting. Keratin and cellulose ratios of 4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4 were blended with PVA dan glycerol. Their mechanical strength, thermal character, and degradability properties were observed. Adding keratin to cellulose lowering tensile strength but increasing biodegradability, while the best thermal property was achieved at keratin:cellulose ratio of 2:2. The result showed that keratin-based bioplastic has a high potential for further development to become high-functioning bioplastics.