Characterization of a new natural fiber from Arundo donax L. as potential reinforcement of polymer composites

The aim of this paper is to study the possibility of using of Arundo donax L. fibers as reinforcement in polymer composites. The fibers are extracted from the outer part of the stem of the plant, which widely grows in Mediterranean area and is diffused all around the world. To use these lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcement in polymer composites, it is necessary to investigate their microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical properties. Therefore, the morphology of A. donax L. fibers was investigated through electron microscopy, the thermal behavior through thermogravimetric analysis and the real density through a helium pycnometer. The chemical composition of the natural fibers in terms of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash contents was determinated by using standard test methods. The mechanical characterization was carried out through single fiber tensile tests and a reliability analysis of the experimental data was performed. Furthermore, a mathematical model was applied to investigate the relation between the transverse dimension of the fibers and the mechanical properties.