Influence of hydration on the mechanical performance of duck down feathers

Citation
Rhc. Bonser et Jw. Farrent, Influence of hydration on the mechanical performance of duck down feathers, BR POULT SC, 42(2), 2001, pp. 271-273
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
BRITISH POULTRY SCIENCE
ISSN journal
00071668 → ACNP
Volume
42
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
271 - 273
Database
ISI
SICI code
0007-1668(200105)42:2<271:IOHOTM>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
1. We report the first measurements to be made on the effects of hydration on the mechanical properties of commercially-prepared duck down feathers. T ensile tests were performed, to failure, on isolated barbs of down feathers at 50% RH and with fully-hydrated (wet) feathers. 2. The Young's modulus (stiffness) and ultimate stress (strength) of the fe athers was higher at 50% RH than when wet. Wet feathers, however, failed at greater extension than dry feathers. The implications for down feather per formance and for the use of feathers as a structural material are discussed .