Résumé
Over the past 20 years, a large number of studies have been carried out to determine the mechanicalproperties of plant fibres. Most studies focus on the use of tensile tests on elementary fibres. Despite itsadvantages, this method is also time-consuming and challenging because of the tiny size of the fibresand the many sources of uncertainty.The aim of the present benchmark study was to gain a better understanding and quantify the sources ofvariability when estimating the tensile properties of plant fibres. For that purpose, three batches of fibreswere selected: two plant fibres, i.e. combed hemp and flax fibres as well as a synthetic organic fibre, i.e.aramid fibres, for benchmark purpose. A total of approximately 1250 fibres were tested. 9 researchgroups participated in this interlaboratory exercise.Results highlight significant intra- and inter-laboratory variability. Human factors and experimentalprocedures, especially for the estimation of the fibre cross-sectional area and the tensile strain, wereidentified as the main sources of scatter in tensile properties. Post-processing procedures, particularlydetermining the starting point of the tensile test, are also crucial, involving the elimination of slacks infibre and load trains