Abstract
1. We report the first measurements to be made on the effects of hydration on the mechanical properties of commercially-prepared duck down feathers. Tensile tests were performed, to failure, on isolated barbs of down feathers at 50% RH and with fully-hydrated (wet) feathers. 2. The Young's modulus (stiffness) and ultimate stress (strength) of the feathers was higher at 50% RH than when wet. Wet feathers, however, failed at greater extension than dry feathers. The implications for down feather performance and for the use of feathers as a structural material are discussed.
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