Mechanical behavior and apparent stiffness of flax, hemp and nettle fibers under single fiber transverse compression tests

Abstract

While plant fibers find extensive use across numerous applications, their transverse behavior and mechanical properties lack direct and fiber-scale characterization, posing a significant knowledge gap. This paper investigates, for the first time, the transverse behavior of flax, hemp and nettle fibers through Single Fiber Transverse Compression Tests (SFTCTs). Finite element analysis is used to study the influence of time-dependent and irreversible inelastic behavior on the fiber’s response and identify configurations fit for the identification of apparent elastic properties. SFTCTs are performed experimentally with a repeated progressive loading protocol using a custom micro-mechatronic setup. An apparent fiber transverse elastic modulus of 1 to 3 GPa is identified by inverse method for all tested fibers, demonstrating high fiber anisotropy. Important inelastic features are also observed on fiber behavior. Their origin is discussed with both material behavior and structural mechanisms such as lumen collapse, identified as the main potential causes.