Researcher examines polymers created with poultry feathers

Justin Barone, associate professor of biological systems engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is investigating ways to create biodegradable plastics from agricultural byproducts such as poultry feathers and eggs that would be comparable to petroleum-based plastics. Biodegradable polymers created from such byproducts may add value to the poultry industry and help solve the growing environmental problem of plastic waste, according Barone, who presented his research findings at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago, Ill. on March 29.