Logo image
Back
Young's modulus varies with differential orientation of keratin in feathers
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Young's modulus varies with differential orientation of keratin in feathers

G J Cameron, Tim J Wess and R H C Bonser
Journal of Structural Biology, Vol.143(2), pp.118-123
2003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1047-8477(03)00142-4
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1047-8477(03)00142-4View
Published Version

Abstract

feather keratin X-ray diffraction Young's modulus
Feathers are composed of a structure that, whilst being very light, is able to withstand the large aerodynamic forces exerted upon them during flight. To explore the contribution of molecular orientation to feather keratin mechanical properties, we have examined the nanoscopic organisation of the keratin molecules by X-ray diffraction techniques and have confirmed a link between this and the Young's modulus of the feather rachis. Our results indicate that along the rachis length, from calamus to tip, the keratin molecules become more aligned than at the calamus before returning to a state of higher mis-orientation towards the tip of the rachis. We have also confirmed the general trend of increasing Young's modulus with distance along the rachis. Furthermore, we report a distinct difference in the patterns of orientation of β-keratin in the feathers of flying and flightless birds. The trend for increased modulus along the feathers of volant birds is absent in the flightless ostrich. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Details

Metrics

248 Record Views
65 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Cell Biology

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Logo image