Study of the tensile properties of stinging nettle fibres (Urtica dioica)

Developing new natural fibre composites is the focus of many studies today. Indeed, they are made out of renewable resources and, therefore, have a lower environmental impact in comparison to mineral fibre composites. The mechanical performances of stinging nettle fibres are measured and compared to flax and other lignocellulosic fibres. The stress/strain curve of stinging nettle fibres (Urtica dioica) shows they have a linear behaviour. The average tensile properties are a Young's modulus equal to 87 GPa, a tensile strength equal to 1594 MPa, and a strain at failure equal to 2.11 %. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.