Laboratory study on the properties of plastering mortar modified by feather fibers

Abstract This laboratory study explores the development of plastering mortar modified by feather fibers, so as to lay the groundwork for utilizing poultry feathers in thermal-insulation materials and removing them from waste streams. The laboratory testing measured the consistency value, porosity, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of various cement mortar mixes as a function of feather fiber dosage. The experimental data were used to determine the appropriate weight fraction of feather fibers in the mortars for thermal insulation. The results indicate that the incorporation of feather fibers decreased the consistency value of fresh mortar and increased the surface roughness and porosity of hardened mortar. Under the investigated conditions, as the content of admixed fiber increased, both the compressive strength and thermal conductivity of hardened mortar decreased remarkably before leveling off. The desirable dosage of feather fibers falls in the range of 0.2–0.7% by mass of dry mixture.