Abstract:

An experimental investigation aimed to determine the viability of chicken feathers as substitute for fine aggregates for concrete was conducted. Chicken feathers collected from slaughter houses (waste material) were utilized after previous studies conducted revealed that chicken feathers posses good durability and resistance to degradation because of the extensive cross-linking and strong covalent bonding within its structure. In the investigation conducted, the chicken feathers content ranged from 1% to7% of the total volume of fine aggregates.  The aggregate-cement ratio was 1:6 and 1:3cement was held constant with varying water-cement ratio in every mixture. Specimens were grouped according to their number of days of curing as follows; 3, 7 and 14, days. The results affirmed that the compressive strengths of the specimens are inversely proportional to the level of feathers that were added. The specimen with 3% feathers, cured in 14 days, yielded a compressive strength of 16.61 Mpa. This value met the Type S mortar cement of ASTM C270-91 standard specification that covers mortars for use in the construction of non-reinforced and reinforced unit structures. Mix workability decreased significantly as the proportion by weight of feathers or ground feathers increased from 1% to 7%. Stiffness, flexural strength, and dimensional stability of the feather-cement boards decreased as the proportion of feathers was increased above 3%. Higher proportions of feather, however, showed significant reduction in modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), and increased water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours of soaking in water.

Key Words: Chiken Feather, Portland Cement, Keratin, Curing, Workability, Compressive Strength