Valorization of milk thistle plant: characterization of lignocellulosic fibers extracted via biological and chemical degumming from Silybum marianum stems

The aim of this study is to extract natural bast fibers from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) plant and to evaluate if they are suitable as an alternative reinforcement for polymer composites. Fibers have been obtained via water and alkali retting methods. The alkali-retted fibers were subjected to benzene-ethanol and ammonium oxalate treatments. Chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the produced fibers were examined. Lİnear density was determined according to ASTM D 1577-07. Single-fiber tensile properties were determined according to ASTM D 3822. Moisture content was determined according to ASTM D2495-07. Water absorption was tested according to EDANA 10.3-99 and ISO 9073-6.2000.