X-ray micro-tomography based FEM modelling of hygroexpansion in PLA composites reinforced with birch pulp fibres

This article presents a microscale modelling approach coupled with X-ray computed micro-tomography for the evaluation of material properties of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced by birch pulp fibers under the effect of moisture. The results in terms of elastic moduli and hygroexpansion deformation were found in good agreement with the measurements taken at different levels of water uptake.