Investigation of stochastic properties of the natural fiber mats

Natural fiber reinforced plastics are challenging materials for sustainable product development. Plastics reinforced with non-woven natural fiber mats can be applied in automotive structures due to good mechanical properties and low price. Hence, these materials have large properties variations (heterogeneity). The definition of properties of the heterogeneity was proposed. A method for quantitative estimation of heterogeneity of natural fiber mats has been developed. The method is based on spectral analysis of digital image of the mat. Estimated heterogeneity parameters of mats can be used further in simulation of properties of heterogeneous materials.