Modelling the influence of fibre internal structure on the measured modulus of technical natural fibres

The internal structure, cross section area (CSA) and mechanical properties of palm coir fibres were investigated using SEM on cryotome cut samples, tensile measurements single technical at three gauge lengths optical microscopy fibre sections. measured modulus was significantly dependent length CSA. Two theoretical approaches developed to fit the observed dependence These calculated as a function dimensions elementary combined with efficiency inter-level interface transfer stress across consecutive levels within fibre. Palm results gave good correlation between experimental observations predictions. CSA less well defined due higher level property variability which led poorer correlations fitting model values.