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Adhesives from the chicken coop: turning feathers into wood glue
Researchers from Fraunhofer IFAM and the University of Pau are developing bio-based adhesives from feather waste. The keratin they contain shows promising bonding strength – and could one day replace synthetic wood glues.
Feathers are produced in large quantities as a by-product of agriculture. While some are used in textiles or decorative items, a significant portion ends up in landfills due to their low flammability and limited recycling options. Feathers are composed mainly of keratin, a protein also found in hair and nails, which can be chemically modified. Since many traditional glues – such as bone or casein adhesives – are protein-based, keratin offers an interesting opportunity for developing bio-based alternatives.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Bremen and the University of Pau in southern France have investigated whether keratin from feathers can be used as a binder for wood. The team focused on duck feathers, which are produced in large quantities in Brittany. They developed an aqueous, solvent-free adhesive formulation, following the example of conventional protein-based wood glues.
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Promising adhesion and low flammability
After optimising the hydrolysis process, the keratin degradation product was purified and directly applied as a glue. In mechanical tests, the bonded wood samples demonstrated strong adhesion comparable to commercial white glues. Another noteworthy property: the feather-based adhesive is highly flame-resistant, which could help improve the fire safety of wooden products in future applications.
Although the first results are promising, further research is needed. The scientists aim to improve the water resistance of the bonded joints and explore the material’s flame-retardant potential. If these challenges are met, feather-based adhesives could become a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to synthetic wood glues within a few years.
Source: Fraunhofer IFAM & University of Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, 2025.
