Extraction and tensile properties of natural fibers: Vakka, date and bamboo

This paper aims at introducing new natural fibers used as fillers in a polymeric matrix enabling production of economical and lightweight composites for load carrying structures. An investigation of the extraction procedures of vakka (Roystonea regia), date and bamboo fibers has been undertaken. The cross-sectional shape, the density and tensile properties of these fibers, along with established fibers like sisal, banana, coconut and palm, are determined experimentally under similar conditions and compared. The fibers introduced in the present study could be used as an effective reinforcement for making composites, which have an added advantage of being lightweight. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.