摘要
Plant leaf is a natural composite biomaterial, and its strength is closely related to the microstructure. In this paper, themechanical characteristics of eight species of plant leaves were investigated and analyzed. The ultimate strength of leaves andthe hardness of leaf surfaces were measured by using universal testing machine and nanoindenter tester, respectively. The tensilestrength of the parallel microstructure was investigated based on its cross-sectional mechanical model. The results of tensiontests indicate that the ultimate strength of a leaf is related to the material composition and structure. The coriaceous leavesusually exhibit higher tensile strength. For example, the Phyllostachys pubescens leaf can achieve the maximum ultimatestrength of 5.9091 N·mm. It is concluded from the results of hardness tests that material components of leaf surface caninfluence the surface hardness evidently. The leaf surface composed of more lignin and cellulose materials shows a highersurface hardness than that composed of more carbohydrates materials.
Plant leaf is a natural composite biomaterial, and its strength is closely related to the microstructure. In this paper, themechanical characteristics of eight species of plant leaves were investigated and analyzed. The ultimate strength of leaves andthe hardness of leaf surfaces were measured by using universal testing machine and nanoindenter tester, respectively. The tensilestrength of the parallel microstructure was investigated based on its cross-sectional mechanical model. The results of tensiontests indicate that the ultimate strength of a leaf is related to the material composition and structure. The coriaceous leavesusually exhibit higher tensile strength. For example, the Phyllostachys pubescens leaf can achieve the maximum ultimatestrength of 5.9091 N·mm<sup>-2</sup>. It is concluded from the results of hardness tests that material components of leaf surface caninfluence the surface hardness evidently. The leaf surface composed of more lignin and cellulose materials shows a highersurface hardness than that composed of more carbohydrates materials.
基金
financial supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.50635030 and 50905071)
the Key Proiect of Chinese Ministry of Education(Grant No.105059)
the Program for the Development of Science and Technology of Jilin Province(Grant No.20090539)
