Abstract
Analysis of particles size distribution of Malaysian bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris and Schizostachyum brachycladum) for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites production was conducted using dynamic image analysis (DIA). A wide distribution of bamboo particles length was recorded, varying from almost 0 to 1500-µm for both species. Inadequate amount of actual particles length distribution from each sieve size (75-µm and 1-mm) was also recorded. DIA observed an increase of aspect ratio from small to large particles, and fine particles were recorded to be slightly elongated than the large ones. However, the effects of bamboo particles size on the finished PVC composites performance were uncertain, considerable of numerous other factors that influence the performance. Only impact and water uptake properties of composites have been obviously affected by different particles size. Greater modulus value is observed in composites with high particles loading, though low impact strength and water resistance were recorded. The incorporation of high concentration of selected processing lubricants in the composites formulation helped to improve the impact and water resistance of the composites. Malaysian bamboo particles-PVC composites performance between different species was equivalent, demonstrated that both species displayed identical behaviour for composites production.
Highlights
Bamboo is a plant for multi uses, for traditional, and for industrial applications
In order to obtain the information on bamboo particles size distribution, the analysis of particles shape and geometry was carried out using the dynamic image analysis (DIA) optical system with QICPIC (Sympatec) sensor machine (Figure 1)
According to DIA system, length of fibre (LEFI) is defined as the length of the shortest path between the two most distant end points of the fibres/particles, while diameter of fibre (DIFI) as the projection area of the fibre/particle divided by the length of all fibres/particles sections
Summary
Bamboo is a plant for multi uses, for traditional, and for industrial applications. Carus and Eder (2014) predicted that the production and use of WPC in the construction and extrusion sectors in Europe will be increased from 190000 t in 2012 to 400000 t in 2020 It appears to be an opportunity in exploiting bamboo materials for WPC industry. A reduction of the bamboo particles size used by Kassim (1999) from 0.25 to 0.12-mm showed that most of the properties such as modulus of elasticity increased by 17.8%, bending strength by 13.8%, tensile strength by 9.74%, and water absorption by 10.4%. Atuanya et al (2014) reported only a small increase of tensile strength when the date palm wood particles size was increased. This study is essential in order to increase the utilization of bamboo particles in PVC/WPC industry and to increase the understanding of its fundamental performance
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