Modeling of Hygro-Mechanical Behaviour through Raffia vinifera Fiber during the Water Diffusion Phenomenon

Abstract

In an industrial context where the use of friendly materials is encouraged, natural fibers of vegetable origin become more solicited for the reinforcement of composite materials. This work deals with the modeling of the hygro-mechanical behavior through raffia vinifera fiber during the diffusion phenomenon. The modeling of water diffusion through the raffia vinifera fiber is described by Fick’s second law and taking into account the swelling phenomenon of the fiber. The equation obtained is solved numerically by the finite difference method, and the evolution of the fiber radius as a function of time is obtained. By applying the Leibniz integration rule, a mathematical expression to predict the evolution of this radius as a function of time is proposed. It is observed numerically and analytically an increase of the dimensionless fiber radius with time up to a critical value after what one observes the saturation. This model allowed us to propose a mathematical model describing the absorption kinetics of the raffia vinifera fiber through its absorption ratio. By comparing the results of this model with the experimental results from the literature, one observes a good agreement. Moreover, the induced stresses in the fiber during the water diffusion can also be estimated with the proposed mathematical model expression of fiber. These stresses increase with time and can reach between 5 and 7 GPa. The results of this work can be used to predict the behavior of the raffia vinifera fiber inside a composite material during its development.