Analysis of physical and mechanical characteristics of tropical natural fibers for their use in civil engineering applications

Natural fibers investigated in this study are mainly waste from agro industry. The importance of natural building composites is increasing, as they partially replace nonrenewable resources acting reinforcement composite materials such concrete, mortar and earth bricks. Their recycling requires a detailed analysis the physical, chemical, mechanical characteristics fibers. In study, tropical i.e., palm oil flower (POFL), fruit (POFR), sugarcane bagasse (Sc), coconut coir (Cn), banana spine (Bs) were investigated, their cross-section, density, water absorption, thermogravimetry, chemical composition, tensile strength determined. area these ranges 0.03 mm2 to 0.07 mm2. POFL have highest density (1.36 g/cm3), while Cn lowest (0.79 g/cm3). Chemical composition shows that cellulose content 37–54%, followed by hemicellulose 5–27%, lignin cutins 5–25%. Mechanical show fluctuates between 119–347 MPa. Tensile load-deflection behavior Cn, Bs, POFL, POFR elastoplastic with hardening, Sc pseudo elastic.