The new material would be resistant to the region's armies of termites, and could also solve a big environmental problem in the Philippines by providing a way to dispose of millions of kilos of waste feathers each year.

The research done by University of the Philippines professor Menandro Acda, which is funded by the Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants program, is being heralded as economically and environmentally sound.

Professor Acda said the material, made from a blend of compressed cement and chicken feathers, could be widely used for housing, replacing boards now made with woodchips.

The composite boards were ''resistant to insect infestation such as termites because the feathers are inedible'', he said.

''They are also not as flammable or combustible as conventional cement and wood-fibre composite boards.''

Although more research needed to be done, Professor Acda said the feather boards could be used for panelling, ceilings and as insulation but not for weight-bearing building components like walls or pillars.

The researcher is hoping to perfect his feather board by the end of the year, at which point he will publish his findings.

''If the study results are good, then we will apply for a patent and publish the study,'' he said. AFP