| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 826851 | Journal of Bionic Engineering | 2010 | 7 Pages |
Plant leaf is a natural composite biomaterial, and its strength is closely related to the microstructure. In this paper, the mechanical characteristics of eight species of plant leaves were investigated and analyzed. The ultimate strength of leaves and the hardness of leaf surfaces were measured by using universal testing machine and nanoindenter tester, respectively. The tensile strength of the parallel microstructure was investigated based on its cross-sectional mechanical model. The results of tension tests indicate that the ultimate strength of a leaf is related to the material composition and structure. The coriaceous leaves usually exhibit higher tensile strength. For example, the Phyllostachys pubescens leaf can achieve the maximum ultimate strength of 5.9091 N·mm−2. It is concluded from the results of hardness tests that material components of leaf surface can influence the surface hardness evidently. The leaf surface composed of more lignin and cellulose materials shows a higher surface hardness than that composed of more carbohydrates materials.
