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The aim of this study is to characterize linden fibres as a novel cellulose-based fibre to be used as a reinforcement material in composites and to investigate the adhesion property to unsaturated polyester. Up to now, there is no report regarding the potential usability of linden fibre in composite applications. Linden fibres were extracted from the stem of a plant of Tilia rubra DC. subsp. caucasica (Rupr.) V.Engl. Characterization of linden fibres was studied by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, tensile and pull-out tests. Morphological properties of the fibres were observed through scanning electron and optical microscopes. Initial degradation temperature of the linden fibre was reported to be 238 C. The tensile strength and the Young's modulus of the linden fibres were calculated to be 675.4 AE 45.7 MPa and 61.0 AE 9.8 GPa, respectively. The interfacial shear strength of the linden fibre with unsaturated polyester matrix was computed as 26.15 AE 2.27 MPa via pullout test. This study offers an alternative and eco-friendly reinforcement material which may have usability potential in polymeric composites.

In this study, for the first time, medicinal plants are investigated which are traditionaly using for treatment of diabetes mellitus in Manisa (Turkey). Market survey and ethnobotanical enquiry was performed in Manisa Province. Among this study, interview was made with 121 medicinal herb vendor and patient with diabetes. After questionnaire studies, plant specimens were collected from medicinal herb markets which are calling "aktar" or baharatçı". During this project, 27 plant taxon belonging to 15 angiosperm family were identified as an anti-diabetic plant. Most important families were Rosaceae (5 taxa), Lamiaceae (3 taxa), Fabaceae (2 taxa) and Asteraceae (2 taxa). In conclusion, twenty seven medicinal plants species are used by the people of Manisa for traditionally treatment of diabetes. Most important anti-diabetic plants are, jujube (Zizyphus jujube Mill.), oregano (Origanum onites L.), mahaleb (Ceracus mahaleb L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). These plants should be studied for their active compounds responsible for the hypoglycemic activities.