Dimensional stability of waterlogged wood treated with hydrolyzed feather keratin

We have developed a new method for the conservation of archaeological waterlogged wood using avian feather keratin. Feather keratin is a soluble protein with lower molecular weight and cystine content than wool or hair keratins. We obtained stable solutions of duck, chicken, or goose feathers dissolved using sodium hydroxide. Feather keratin impregnation into archaeological waterlogged wood was carried out by stepwise rises in concentration of hydrolyzed feather solution from 10% up to 40%. The popular conservation method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) impregnation required a rise in PEG concentration up to 90%. The anti-shrink efficiency of duck feather keratin treatment was higher than that of chicken or goose feather keratin treatments. The explanation was that the hydrolyzed structures of duck feather keratin were characterized by higher crystallinity and anti-alkali structures contributing to the good dimensional stability.