Mechanical Behavior of Gypsum Composites Reinforced with Retama monosperma Fibers

Abstract

In this pioneering study, Retama monosperma fibers were used in the preparation of a plaster composite dedicated to the field of civil engineering in order to find a substitute for fiberglass as a reinforcement material. Retama monosperma (Rtam) is one of the plant species abundantly available in Mediterranean regions. The localization of fibers at the organic level, the extraction procedure, physical and mechanical properties were studied to compare them with other vegetable fibers currently used in the manufacture of biocomposites. The results obtained show the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of plaster by using the fibers of Retama monosperma. The purpose of this paper is to promote the fibers of Retama monosperma as a building material in civil engineering in order to boost researchers’ interests in this Mediterranean plant.