Design and Micro Mechanical Modeling of Bio-fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites for Creep Resistant Piping Application

Abstract

This study focuses on the design, modeling and optimization of bio-fibre reinforced polymer composites (BFRPs) for application in creep-resistant piping systems. Plantain fibre was selected based on its mechanical properties. After fibre extraction, mercerization and acetylating processes were used in the surface modification of the fibre. High density polyethylene (HDPE) granules impregnated with the fibres were formed into standard sized creep test-pieces and experimental investigations conducted to establish the effect of percentage composition of fibre and strands modification processes on bulk properties. The replication of fibre mercerized and acetylated with 0.1M (0.4%) Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution exhibited the most robust and elastic design model which suggests fibre suitability for applications requiring strength and flexibility. Empirical data obtained were analyzed and a comprehensive micro-mechanical model given by the equation: ε(t)=7.01 × 10-5 * t0.874 was developed. The fitted model shows good agreement with experimental data giving R² > 0.99 which validates its predictive capability for short and mid-term creep. The long-term creep prediction aligns closely with the experimental trends, confirming the model’s robustness with strain behavior up to 1000 hours; suggesting that the composite remains dimensionally stable with less than 2% strain and may be suitable for continuous operation. At 30°C, the maximum creep strain after 240 hours was approximately 0.45% and the strain rose to 1.11% at 80°C; showing that thermal activation accelerates molecular mobility within the matrix, thereby reducing dimensional stability. The results obtained provide a framework for the engineering of durable, sustainable and eco-friendly piping systems with enhance serviceability.