Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Several Varieties of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibers Using Different Cross-Sectional Assumptions

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Abstract
This study focuses on the characterization of plant fibers. Pressed Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibers (OPMFs) coming from different varieties (Dura, Tenera, and Pissifera) are subjected to a unitary tensile test. From the variation of strain energy, the Young’s modulus of these fibers is determined considering the evolution of the cross-section model and using Castigliano theorem. Then, we found the error made by considering first that cross-sections are circular constant and then elliptic constant. It is shown that the internal fibers have a Young’s modulus higher than those of the periphery. Moreover, the use of the real geometric model of the fiber (variable elliptical cross-section) in the search for the Young’s modulus of the fiber highlights an error that is made using the classical hypotheses encountered in the literature (circular and constant cross-section or elliptic and constant cross-section). The implementation of a Kawabata bending test also allowed us to determine the flexural modulus, the elastic recovery and the hysteresis of these OPMFs. Physical parameters such as density and linear density of OPMFs are also determined using gravimetric method.

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