4. Conclusions
Keratin obtained from chicken feathers after treating with alkali was found to be highly effective as sizing agents. At similar add-on (%), abrasion resistance of polyester fabrics treated with keratin was considerably higher but P/C fabrics were lower compared to PVA. Our results demonstrate that cohesion between fibers is more critical to obtain good improvement in strength and the ability of the sizing solution to form films on the surface influences the abrasion resistance. Keratin solutions were easily biodegradable in activated sludge and there was negligible release of total and ammonia nitrogen. Overall, chicken feather keratin as warp size would be inexpensive, biodegradable and provide good sizing performance and therefore be ideal substitute to PVA.