Flammability of Bamboo Fabric Reinforced Polypropylene Composites and their Hybrids

Abstract

Hybridisation is introduced as one way to use bamboo fabric as natural fibre reinforced composites (NFRCs). The research intends to determine the extent to which bamboo fabric can replace glass fibre in glass polypropylene (GPP) composites and whether the proposed hybrids are capable of competing, particularly in comparison to the flammability of GPP composites. This study evaluates the effect of hybridization on the flammability properties of bamboo fabric reinforced polypropylene composites and their hybrids. Flammability tests using cone calorimeter show that the peak Heat Release Rate (HRR) was reduced up to 39% for BPP50%, at 511.8 kW/m2, in comparison with that of neat PP, based on maximum peak values of 842 kW/m2. Interestingly, in the hybrid composites, the peak HRR reduced as glass fibre was replaced with bamboo fibre. These composites demonstrate a significant decrease in peak HRR, over 30% less than the neat PP and GPP composites respectively. These results indicate that a significant portion of the glass in GPP may be replaced with bamboo fabric, with a positive effect on fire resistance. This reduction in flammability and the improved properties obtained demonstrate promise for these hybrid materials in future applications.