Structural and mechanical characterization of nylon fiber aggregates

The study of fiber networks is of great importance due to their presence in a wide range of natural and industrial processes. These networks are particularly complex because their properties depend not only on the characteristics of individual fibers but also on their collective arrangements within the network. In this study, we investigate the case of nylon fiber aggregates generated in a turbulent von Kármán flow. The key properties of these aggregates are characterized, including their three-dimensional structures, analyzed through x-ray tomography, and their mechanical responses. The results are compared with those observed for aegagropilae, a natural fiber aggregate commonly found on Mediterranean seashores.