Strength enhancement of plant roots through polymer infusions

By infusing a thermoset epoxy polymer into the root system of a plant, we aim to create an in situ plant-polymer composite material of high tensile strength resistant to biodegradation and suitable for soil stabilization applications. Microscopy imaging, volume and mass measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile testing were conducted to characterize the effects of infusing polymer into the plant system. The polymer appears to travel predominantly through xylem vessels of the plant system during infusions. Maximum tensile strength and modulus of elasticity are increased by 107% and 92%, respectively, with a polymer content of 59% by mass after infusions were conducted.