1.6 CP Plant fibre strength

• How can you carry out an investigation to compare the tensile strentgh of sisal and nylon fibres? (6)

  • Peel plant fibre from plant stems (forceps)
  • Use fibres with the same initial length
  • Measure the diameter of the fibre (caliper)
  • Connect them between 2 clamp stands
  • Gradually add mass (10N) in the middle
  • Until the fibre breaks
  • Calculate tensile strength = N/Cross-sectional area
  • Repeat with a different fibre
  • Repeat 3 times for each weight for both fibres
  • T-test
  • Wear goggles in case fibre snaps
  • CV = temp, initial length of plant fibre