Nanomechanical characterization of hemp fiber with atomic force microscopy

Hemp and its composites are becoming increasingly popular for their environmental benefits and mechanical strength, making them critical in the development of sustainable materials. This study investigated the nanomechanical properties of industrial hemp fibers through the application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). An AFM-based examination of individual fibers allows for the accurate assessment of nanoscale characteristics without interference from extraneous particles, providing a clear insight into individual fiber features. Using Sneddon's analytical model for a paraboloid shape AFM tip geometry, the elastic moduli of the hemp fiber were calculated at different indentation depths. The maximum elastic modulus of 3.01 +/- 0.22 GPa was observed at the lowest indentation depth. These findings demonstrated the mechanical nature of hemp fibers, showing that radial measures deviate significantly from longitudinal measurements commonly reported in the literature.