Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L.) fibres as potential reinforcement of composite structures

The aim of this paper is to examine the use of artichoke fibres as potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The fibres are extracted from the stem of artichoke plant, which grows in Southern Sicily. In order to use these lignocellulosic fibres as potential reinforcement in polymer composites, it is fundamental to investigate their microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical properties. Therefore, the morphology of artichoke fibres was investigated through electron microscopy, the thermal behaviour through thermogravimetric analysis and the real density through a helium pycnometer. The chemical composition of the natural fibres in terms of cellulose, lignin, and ash contents was determinated by using standard test methods. Finally, the mechanical characterization was carried out through single fibre tensile tests, analysing the results through statistical analysis. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.