Mathematical Modelling of Mechanical Behaviour of Cellulose-Based Fibres Exposed to Gamma Rays and Hydrothermal Treatment

Abstract

The deterioration of the natural polymers is a very complex process, and a problem that can be best addressed through modelling. The approach for modelling the rheological behaviour of different cellulose-based textile fibres (cotton, hemp, flax) when subjected to a hydrothermal treatment, followed by exposure to different doses of gamma-rays (5, 10, 15 and 25 kGy) is presented here. In order to predict the optimum radiation dose limit and hydrothermal aging time, the mathematical model was developed using MATLAB computational technique. To study the mechanical behaviour of the tested fibres, tensile tests were carried out using a TINIUS OLSEN dynamometer H5KT according to ISO 2062 norm. The model of correlation between the mechanical properties of the fibres and the independent variables was based on a polynomial second-degree equation, with the Least-Squares fitting approach that led to the coefficients of the mathematical model.