A comparative study on natural fibre density measurement

Abstract

This is a study for the comparison of existing test methods for measuring the density of natural fibres to be used as reinforcement in biocomposite materials. Normally, any such method is evaluated by referring to its accuracy, cost, speed of test result (i.e. how quick a method is to give the result), and whether it is convenient and safe to use. Through literature review, we identified five such methods: (1) diameter and linear density, (2) Archimedes, (3) helium pycnometry, (4) gradient column and (5) liquid pycnometry. The same sample (oilseed flax fibres) was tried using these methods to measure its density. As a result of the study, two methods are recommended: Archimedes (with the use of canola oil as immersion fluid) and the helium pycnometry. The former was found to be simple, quick to give the result and incur lower cost, and therefore promising for general use in measuring the density of natural fibre, but the latter, although capable of providing more repeatable results, be at a much higher cost.