Modeling strength scatter of elementary flax fibers: The effect of mechanical damage and geometrical characteristics

Elementary bast fibers, apart from acceptable specific mechanical properties, possess a marked variability in geometrical and damage characteristics, which affects their axial tensile strength. A strength distribution function is derived that allows for the effect of kink bands and the scatter of fiber diameter. The distribution function is validated by applying it to the experimental strength data of both intact, carefully hand-decorticated, and damaged elementary flax fibers obtained by standard processing. The results suggest that the presence of kink bands is a limiting factor for the fiber strength.