The paper describes the production and the mechanical characteristics of composites made completely of
renewable raw materials. Composites of different kinds of natural fibres like cotton, hemp, kenaf and
man-made cellulose fibres (Lyocell) with various characteristics were processed with a fibre mass proportion
of 40% and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by compression moulding. Additionally, composites were made
of fibre mixtures (hemp/kenaf, hemp/Lyocell). The composites were tested for tensile strength, elongation
at break, Young’s modulus and Charpy impact strength. Their characteristics varied markedly
depending on the characteristics of the raw fibres and fibre bundles and fibre mixtures used. While kenaf
and hemp/PLA composites showed very high tensile strength and Young’s modulus values, cotton/PLA
showed good impact characteristics. Lyocell/PLA composites combined both, high tensile strength and
Young’s modulus with high impact strength. Thus, the composites could be applied in various fields, each
meeting different requirements.