Effect of Vine Section on the Tensile Properties of Fluted Pumpkin Vine

Abstract

The tensile properties of fluted pumpkin vine were studied in this research by using universal testing machine (Testometric model). The tensile test was conducted at three different pumpkin vine sections (root, middle and tail). Results obtained showed that vine section had significant (p ≤0.05) effect on all the tensile properties (Tensile strength, Young modulus, tensile energy, tensile strain, yield strength, yield energy and yield strain) investigated. In addition, the results indicated that the ability of the fluted pumpkin vine to resist deformation decreased significantly (p ≤0.05) from the root to the tail section. The average tensile strength of root, middle and tail of the pumpkin vine were 28.6, 20.48 and 11.13 MPa respectively. The tensile strain was 5.46, 8.01 and 9.92 % at the root, middle and tail section of the vine respectively. The results of this study would be useful in composite boards’ production and textile industries.