title: Influence of hydration on the mechanical performance of duck down feathers.
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. Tensile 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 feathers was higher at 50% RH than when wet. Wet feathers, however, failed at greater extension than dry feathers. The implications for down feather performance and for the use of feathers as a structural material are discussed.
authors: Bioengineering Division, Silsoe Research Institute, England. richard.bonser@bbsrc.ac.uk
authors: R H
authors: RH
authors: Bonser
authors: J W
authors: JW
authors: Farrent
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003681:Dehydration / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D004372:Ducks / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D005241:Feathers / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006813:Humidity; D007633:Keratins / Q000737:chemistry; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins