Shehab, Hussein Mahanny (2011) Study of creep characteristics of multi-layered corrugated fibre board protective cushions. Research Master thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Multi-layered corrugated fibreboard, has in recent years been gaining attention as a replacement for polymeric materials for protective packaging for environmental reasons. The properties of pre-compressed multi-layered corrugated fibreboard make it a sustainable replacement for poly-foam and polystyrene. Pre-compressed multilayered fibreboard cushions have most of the structural resistance and damping removed, they behave more like a soft spring. The performance of pre-compressed multi-layered corrugated fibreboard as a protective cushion is influenced by the amount of moisture present. The material stiffness is also dependent on the amount of moisture present. Static compression testing can be carried out to obtain stiffness data by measuring load versus controlled deflection, with stiffness being the load required to deflect a specified distance. The creep properties can be obtained by measuring deflection with a controlled force over a period of time, that is, creep is a measure of deflection per time under a constant force. Models can be developed to simulate creep data, the Voigt model of Visco-elasticity, a spring – damper model makes a reasonable choice of model. This model is an exponentially decaying expression that can be adapted with respect to static strain, stress or stiffness and can be fitted to creep data. Curve fitting with a non-linear optimisation technique shows the model has a reasonable fit with experimental data. Creep data and curve fitting shows an unexpected trend in that as the humidity level is raised the creep strain levels reduce. The effect of this is offset by higher static strains occurring at higher humidity levels. At higher humidity levels when using the exponential model the creep strain reaches the 63% of total strain quicker than at lower humidity levels. The new models from this research will help better predict the effects of current and new paper corrugated materials for packaging applications, when exposed to high humidity and long term storage such as in a tropical warehouse.

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