Fabrication of High-Performance Bamboo-Plastic Composites Reinforced by Natural Halloysite Nanotubes.

Xiaobei Jin,Daochun Qin,Jingpeng Li,Rong Zhang,Zehui Jiang

doi:10.3390/molecules25092259

Abstract

Bamboo-plastic composites (BPCs) as new biomass-plastic composites have recently attracted much attention. However, weak mechanical performance and high moisture absorption as well as low thermal stability greatly limit their industrial applications. In this context, different amounts of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a natural reinforcing filler for BPCs. It was found that the thermal stability of BPCs increased with increasing HNT contents. The mechanical strength of BPCs was improved with the increase in HNT loading up to 4 wt% and then worsened, while the impact strengths were slightly reduced. Low HNT content (below 4 wt%) also improved the dynamic thermomechanical properties and reduced the water absorption of the BPCs. Morphological studies confirmed the improved interfacial compatibility of the BPC matrix with 4 wt% HNT loading, and high-concentration HNT loading (above 6 wt%) resulted in easy agglomeration. The results highlight that HNTs could be a feasible candidate as nanoreinforcements for the development of high-performance BPCs.

Highlights

Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly material as a result of its high mechanical strength, renewability, biodegradability, and low cost in many countries [1]
Composites made with 4 wt% halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) showed maximum strength and flexural modulus values that were increased by about 36.73% and 26.55%, respectively, compared with neat Bamboo-plastic composites (BPCs)
The flexural properties of the BPCs moderately decreased as the HNT content increased from 6 wt% to 8 wt%

Summary

Introduction

Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly material as a result of its high mechanical strength, renewability, biodegradability, and low cost in many countries [1]. BPCs are intriguing due to their promising features with regard to low density, good thermal insulation, and good mechanical properties. They are inexpensive, holding great potential for applications in decking, docks, landscaping timbers, fencing, etc. The rational use of bamboo processing residues in BPCs could provide a new purpose for bamboo, easing the need for timber. This is of important practical significance [7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion