Statistical analysis of the mechanical properties of natural fibers and their composite materials. I. Natural fibers

In this study, we extended a statistical approach to develop a comparative study on the behavior of different natural fibers such as flax, jute, abaca, and sisal. In particular, the dimensional characterization and mechanical properties of natural fibers were considered. The wide dispersion of fiber properties, which is a well‐known characteristic of natural systems, has been described here by means of a new advanced statistical approach based on neural network algorithms that can provide a more accurate prediction of the behavior of natural fibers. The new statistical model was developed to interpolate the experimental data, using algorithms based on neural networks. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008.