Tensile Behavior and Diffusion of Moisture through Flax Fibers by Desorption Method

Swarda S. Radkar, Ali Amiri and Chad A. Ulven
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Swarda S. Radkar: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Ali Amiri: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Chad A. Ulven: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 13, 1-10

Abstract: There has been a substantial increase in the usage of natural fibers and biodegradable polymers in composite materials due to the recent focus on sustainability of materials. Flax fibers have exhibited higher mechanical properties compared to most other natural fibers available. However, one of the major challenges faced in the use of flax fiber is its hydrophilicity. In this study, the tensile behavior of flax fiber tows removed from commercially available woven fabrics were investigated at different moisture levels. The breaking tenacity of fiber tows was shown to increase with an increase in moisture content of up to 25%. After this point, additional absorption of moisture resulted in a decrease of fiber tenacity. In addition, the diffusion process through flax fiber mat with different areal densities was investigated and the diffusion coefficients were determined using the desorption curves. Diffusion rates were not found to significantly change with varying areal densities of 200 to 400 gsm, but were significantly different when exposed to temperatures of 55 °C versus 80 °C.

Keywords: natural fibers; flax fiber tows; tenacity; diffusion; moisture desorption; diffusion coefficient (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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