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 orderto use these lignocellulosic fibres as potential reinforcement in polymer composites, it is fundamental toinvestigate their microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical properties.Therefore, the morphology of artichoke fibres was investigated through electron microscopy, the thermalbehaviour 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 determinatedby using standard test methods.Finally, the mechanical characterization was carried out through single fibre tensile tests, analysing theresults through statistical analysis.