Reinforced fibers provide strength: plants

Fibers in many woody plants provide mechanical strength via lignin reinforcements.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Compression

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Composite building material with properties of high lignin wood Design ideas for adding strength to structures or materials

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Plant fibres occur in the wood of many plants, and because of their association with the xylem, are called xylary fibres. They are also often found in the outer part of young stems, bark and leaves, where they are called extraxylary fibres. Their main functioning is in strengthening. The common feature of fibre cells is that they are elongated and thick-walled, with lignins permeating the cellulose of the cell wall. Fibre cells normally have pointed ends (Fig. 3). They often extend in length during development, growing between cells that may not be lengthening at the same rate. Fibres may be only about 10 times longer than wide, but many are 20-30 and even up to and exceeding 100 times longer than wide. They may remain flexible, as in many extraxylary fibres, or have more limited flexibility, as in xylary fibres." (Cutler 2005:103)

About the inspiring organism

Plantae
Plantae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Composite building material with properties of high lignin wood. Design ideas for adding strength to structures or materials.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Architecture, building, nanotechnology, materials science

Experts

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
David F. Cutler

References

Cutler, DF. 2005. Design in plants. In: Collins, MW; Atherton, MA; Bryant, JA, editors. Nature and Design. Southampton, Boston: WIT Press. p 95-124

Reinforced fibers provide strength: plants

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