Lemongrass Plant as Potential Sources of Reinforcement for Biocomposites: A Preliminary Experimental Comparison Between Leaf and Culm Fibers

Abstract Nowadays, the world requires more sustainable and eco-friendly materials to replace or limit usage of synthetic materials. Moreover, several researchers focused their attention on use agricultural sources as reinforcement for biocomposites since they are abundant, cost-effective environmentally favorable sources. In such a context, purpose present paper is evaluation lemongrass plant ( Cymbopogon flexuosus ) possible source natural biocomposites. To this aim, fibers were obtained from leaf stem main properties compared first time. scope, mechanical thermal characterizations, chemical investigation, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction scanning electron microscope analysis carried out. The experimental campaign showed that, despite having similar composition (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose lignin contents equal 44–45%, 28–29% 17%, respectively), possess higher + 55% 76% in tensile strength modulus, respectively) than ones. This result can be ascribed different factors larger amount absorbed water 4%) ash content (+ 2%) shown by addition compact structure evidenced which also density 1.139 g/cm 3 versus 1.019 ).