Mechanical behaviour and properties characterization of hemp fibres

These last years, hemp fibres have been used as reinforcement for compounds based on polymer for their interesting mechanical properties. The scientific knowledge about the mechanical behaviour of hemp fibres is little known and the characterisation processes adapted to this kind of fibres are rare. In this study, a mechanical characterisation process of hemp fibre tensile properties was investigated. A digital imaging treatment coupled to a micro-tensile test of hemp fibres was developed. The digital imaging allows to measure finely and take into account the real geometry of fibres in the characterization process. The results put in light the high scattering of hemp fibre properties. Tensile tests carried out show elementary hemp fibres present more interesting tensile properties than bundles.