An Ecological Protection for Wood Material by Hydrolyzed Feather Keratin

Abstract

Within the scope of this study, the hydrolyzed keratin which is an ecological and harmless material, was applied to the wood material surfaces by dipping and spraying method in different concentration rate 1%, 3% and 5%. Within the scope of the research, as wood materials Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus orientalis L.) were used. Wood samples were exposed to white and brown rot fungi for 16 weeks and water absorption rate tests for 48-hour period to in order to determine protection performances. According to the results of the water absorption tests, it was observed that the keratin concentrations reduced the water absorption of wood material at least 7 times than control samples. Keratin concentrations were determined to reduce mass loss by at least 50% compared to control samples against rot fungus. As a result; it has been determined that keratin has positive effects on the protection of wood material in tests and that keratin substance can be applied as a natural preservative on wooden surfaces. © 2022, Instytut Technologii Drewna. All rights reserved.