Fiber distributed mechanical stress

Polyamides, like other macromolecules, degrade as a result of mechanical stress either in the melt phase, in solution, or in the soHd state (124). Degradation in the fluid state is usually detected via a change in viscosity or molecular weight distribution (125). However, in the soHd state it is possible to observe the free radicals formed as a result of polymer chains breaking under the appHed stress. If the polymer is protected from oxygen, then alkyl radicals can be observed (126). However, if the sample is exposed to air then the radicals react with oxygen in a manner similar to thermo- and photooxidation. These reactions lead to the formation of microcracks, embrittlement, and fracture, which can eventually result in failure of the fiber, film, or plastic article. 

The fundamental difference between mechanical stresses and tliermal stresses lies in the nature of the loading. Thermal stresses as previously stated are a result of restraint or temperature distribution. The fibers at high temperature are compressed and those at lower temperatures are stretched. The stress pattern must only satisfy the requirements for equilibrium of the internal forces. The result being that yielding will relax the thermal stress. If a part is loaded mechanically beyond its yield strength, the part will continue to yield until it breaks, unless the deflection is limited by strain hardening or stress redistribution. The external load remains constant, thus the internal stresses cannot relax. 

De Rosa etal. [14] reported that the tensile tenacity and modulus of okra fibers presented a two-parameter Weibul distribution. They also reported a decrease in tensile tenacity and modulus with increase in okra fiber diameter, as Bodros and Baley [37] found for nettle stalk fibers. Having brittle structures, okra and nettle stalk fibers present straight stress-strain curves [14,37]. Mechanical properties of agro-residual fibers are listed in Table 11.3. 

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