Grant project deliverable

Valorisation of waste chicken feathers

Grant holder: Dr B Sithole

Institution: CSIR

Grant: CSIR/IU/WRIU/2016/004

Duration: 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2019

Status: Complete

Project outline: The poultry-processing industry generates large quantities of feather by-products. The feathers are considered wastes although small amounts are into valuable products such as feather meal and fertilizers. The remaining waste is disposed of by incineration or by burial in controlled landfills. A closer look at the structure and composition of feathers shows that a chicken feather (quill and fibre) can be used as a source for pure structural protein, keratin, which can be exploited for conversion into a number of high-value bio products. Additionally, a number of technologies can be used to convert other biological components of feathers into high value added products.

»	Briefing note: Valorisation of waste chicken feathers.
»	Dissertation: Khumalo, MB. (2021). Valorisation of waste chicken feathers: Regeneration of keratin fibre into tubular nanofibers via electrospinning. Doctoral dissertation. Durban: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
»	Dissertation: Kakonke, M.C.G (2019). Valorisation of chicken feathers: Production of superabsorbent fabrics via nonwoven technology. Master’s Thesis. Durban: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
»	Dissertation: Yimer, T.T (2017). Valorisation of waste chicken feathers: Production of high-value materials. Doctoral Thesis. Durban: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
»	Publication: Kakonke, G., Tesfaye, R., Sithole, B. and Ntunka, M. (2021). A novel method for rapid extraction of biofibres from waste chicken feathers. J Solid Waste Techno. Manag, 47 (1).
»	Publication: Khumalo, M., Sithole, B. and Tesfaye, T. (2020). Valorisation of waste chicken feathers: Optimisation of keratin extraction from waste chicken feathers by sodium bisulphite, sodium dodecyl sulphate and urea. J Env Man, 262, 110329).
»	Publication: Kakonke, G., Tesfaye, R., Sithole, B. and Ntunka, M. (2019). Review on the manufacturing and properties of nonwoven superabsorbent core fabrics used in disposable diapers. Int J Chem Sc, 17(1).
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Chunilall, V., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2019). Identification of Waste Chicken Feathers Degradation Products using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Int J Chem Sci,17(1): 304-314.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B., Ramjugernath, D. and Ndlela, L. (2018). Optimisation of surfactant decontamination and pre-treatment of waste chicken feathers by using response surface methodology. Waste Management, 72: 371-388.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B., Ramjugernath, D. Mokhothu, T. (2018). Valorisation of chicken feathers: Characterisation of thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 9: 27-34.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2018). Preparation, characterization and application of keratin based green biofilms from waste chicken feathers. Int J Chem Sci., 16(3): 281.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2018). Valorisation of Waste Chicken Feathers: Green Oil Sorbent. Int J Chem Sci., 16(3): 282.
»	Publication: Khumalo, M., Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2018). Possible Beneficiation of Waste Chicken Feathers Via Conversion into Biomedical Applications. Int J Chem Sci., 17(1): 298-317.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2018). Valorisation of waste chicken feathers: Optimisation of decontamination and pre-treatment with bleaching agents using response surface methodology. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 8 (2018): 21-37.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2018). Valorisation of chicken feather barbs: Utilisation in yarn production and technical textile applications. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 8 (2018): 38-49.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B., Ramjugernath, D. and Chunilall, V. (2017). Valorisation of chicken feathers: Characterisation of physical properties and morphological structure. Journal of Cleaner Production, 149 (2017) 349-365.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B., Ramjugernath, D. and Chunilall, V. (2017). Valorisation of chicken feathers: Characterisation of chemical properties. Waste Management, 68 (2017): 626-635.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B., Ramjugernath, D. and Chunilall, V. (2017). Valorisation of chicken feathers: Application in paper production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 164 (2017): 1324-1331.
»	Publication: Tesfaye, T., Sithole, B. and Ramjugernath, D. (2017). Valorisation of chicken feathers: A review on recycling and recovery route – current status and future prospects. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 19 (10): 2363–2378.