Investigation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Raffia Vinifera Fibers along the Stem

ABSTRACTThe study of the physical and mechanical properties of raffia vinifera fibers along the stem is examined in this work. In central Africa, these fibers are already being used by craftsmen in the field of textile and decoration. The cross-section of fibers is higher at the base of the stem and grows from the periphery toward the center on a transverse position. By the Archimedes method, the obtained bulk density was between 0.1288 g/cm3 and 0.2368 g/cm3 and in a transverse position, it increases from the center toward the periphery. The dynamic tensile tests were used to estimate the Young’s modulus that lies among 0.88 GPa and 7.9 GPa and the low values are at the base of the stem. The specific Young’s modulus was deduced and varied from 7.33 GPa/(g/cm3) and 66.00 GPa/(g/cm3). Finally, through the strain, the microfibril angle was found and it is oscillated from 29.81° to 48.65°.