The objectives of this book are twofold: to provide a thorough examination of the materials science of cellulosic fibres with emphasis on the characterization of structure-property relations; and to advance knowledge of how to best analyze cellulosic fibrous networks and composites, and, ultimately, engineer "novel" cellulose-based systems of superior performance and functionality. The design of new materials through the study of living systems, or bio-imitation, is burgeoning to become an established field, generally referred to as biomimetics. The latter, as with materials science in general, prominently features multi-disciplinarity where new developments in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering continue to inspire novel areas of research and development. The book is structured in five chapters which provide a sequential treatment of the running theme: deformation mechanics and the physical, morphological and mechanical characterization of native cellulose fibers networks and composites. The heart of the book is chapter 3, "Damage Accumulation in Fibres", which treats the experimental methodology for fatigue testing of single fibers and the engendered results.
In-depth examinations of the morphology, structure and chemical composition of native cellulose fibres, and the mechanics of deformation in these natural composite fibres are proffered in chapters 1 and 2, respectively. The fourth chapter, "Fractal Simulation of Crack Propagation", presents a fractal-based approach to modelling damage accumulation in materials. Fractals lend themselves well to modelling such randomly-oriented phenomena as crack propagation and fracture. The last chapter, "Fibrous Structures: Networks and Composites", comprises analytical approaches for handling networks and composites.