Structure and properties of fibres from sea-grass (Zostera marina)

This paper presents results from a study of fibres extracted from Zostera marina eel-grass collected from the Baltic coast. This species of sea-grass is shown to contain small diameter (around 5 lm) fibres composed of ~57% cellulose, ~38% of non-cellulosic polysaccharides (mainly xylan) and ~5% of residual matter so-called Klason lignin. This composition is quite different to that of commonly used terrestrial fibres. Single fibre stiffness values up to 28 GPa were measured. This stiffness combined with a low density could provide an attractive reinforcement for composite materials, and may be particularly suitable for use in bio-degradable structures