Tensile Behavior of Geometrically Irregular Bagasse Fiber

Md Shahnewaz Bhuiyan,Md Shahriar Farabi,Md Mahedi Hasan,Muhommad Azizur Rahman

doi:10.3390/applmech2020017

Md Shahnewaz Bhuiyan, Md Shahriar Farabi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech2020017

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Abstract

In the present work, an investigation on the surface topography and geometry variation of bagasse fibers was correlated with their mechanical properties via image analysis. The fibers were tested under a universal tensile testing machine and the diameter of the fibers was calculated using images obtained in a digital microscope. Furthermore, surface characterization and quantification were also performed using images obtained via SEM. The results showed that the surface roughness of alkali-treated bagasse fiber increased compared to that of the untreated one. Moreover, it was observed that the diameter variation of bagasse fiber along its length and among different fibers is not only variable but also unpredictable. The tensile test results revealed that bagasse fibers showed lower stress at a rupture with considerable scatter. It can be inferred that the synergistic effect of thick bagasse fiber, bagasse fiber diameter variations along its length and among fibers, and the fiber fracture mechanism establishes a local condition for fracture and resulted in such variations in tensile properties. Finally, the results clearly showed that the two-parameter Weibull fit the experimental data fairly well (R2=0.97). The Weibull modulus (m) was found to be 1.7, indicating that the strength distribution is high.

Highlights

Research and development of eco-friendly, green, and sustainable composite materials using agro-based or lignocellulose materials have been attracting increasing research attention in recent years
The present observations (Figures 6 and 7) indicate that the alkali treatment changes the surface morphology of bagasse fibers, making the surface of the fiber cleaner yet uneven, in line with the previous study [51,54]. In addition to their hydrophilic nature, the bagasse fibers used in the present study showed significant diameter variation both between and within fibers (Figures 8 and 9)
Similar diameter variations have been observed in other natural fibers such as wool [55], bamboo fibers [44], sisal fiber [56], and jute fiber [57]

Summary

Introduction

Research and development of eco-friendly, green, and sustainable composite materials using agro-based or lignocellulose materials have been attracting increasing research attention in recent years. The attractive characteristics of natural fibers whereby they are economic, lightweight, biodegradable, zero carbon footprint, environmentally friendly and nonabrasive, and exhibit interesting physical and mechanical properties such as low density, high specific properties, high aspect ratio, relatively high processing flexibility, and good strength [1,2] make them attractive for use in composite materials. Much research has been directed towards the use of various lignocellulose-based fibers as reinforcement for plastics. People—especially day laborers, rickshaw pullers, and other low-income groups—consume sugarcane juice sold by street vendors as they are inexpensive, convenient, and attractive

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