Tensile strength analysis of palm leaf sheath fiber with Weibull distribution

Palm leaf sheath fiber (palm fiber) was subjected to monotonic tensile load at four different gauge lengths, and its tensile behavior was investigated. The strength of palm fiber was studied by traditional Weibull models, compared with jute fiber. Modified Weibull model was also studied by considering the fiber diameter effect. The SEM graphics of breaking surfaces were obtained to study the fracture mechanism of palm fiber. Results show that palm fiber had a large diameter and excellent elongation properties. Weibull distribution was very suitable for strength analysis. Strength and Weibull modulus decreased, whereas Young's modulus increased with the increase in gauge length and strength dispersion. The diameter had negative effect on palm fiber strength and modified Weibull model could predict strength accurately. Three main states of breaking surfaces were found and discussed. In addition, the strength of palm fiber was found more sensitive to gauge length than sisal fiber. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.