Biocomposites of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) reinforced with chicken feather fibre (CF) were prepared using dicumyl
peroxide (DCP) as vulcanizing agent. Composites with three series of chicken feather fibres were studied i.e., raw (RCF),
sterilized (SCF) and alkali treated (ACF). The cure characteristics of composites were studied. The mechanical properties of
NBR were found to be improved by the incorporation of chicken feather fibre in all forms. Surface modification of the fibre
was done by alkaline treatment to improve the interfacial adhesion and it characterised by FTIR. Better properties are shown
by the composites with ACF. The swelling behaviour of the composites in N,N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl
sulfoxide and water were analyzed for the swelling coefficient values. The biodegradable characteristics of CF reinforced
NBR composites were studied by soil burial test which indicated that it is an eco-friendly and acceptable material. Scanning
electron microscopy studies support the results of mechanical properties. The outcome obtained from this study is believed
to assist the development of environmentally–friendly composites especially for specific product applications like oil seals,
hoses and automobile bushes etc.

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• Cure, Mechanical and Swelling Properties of Biocomposites from Chicken Feather Fibre and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber