Outdoor bamboo-fiber-reinforced composite: Influence of resin content on water resistance and mechanical properties

Abstract

Despite the potential of bamboo products for use in construction, they are not yet widely developed owing to a lack of high-quality composites. In the present study, outdoor bamboo-fiber-reinforced composites (OBFRC) were prepared with four different phenol formaldehyde resin concentrations (10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) using a novel technique, and their water resistance and mechanical properties were evaluated. Resin content significantly affected OBFRC performance. When resin content increased, water resistance increased gradually, shear strength increased initially before decreasing, while compressive strength decreased. There was no significant change in water resistance when resin concentration increased from 20 to 25%, but mechanical properties decreased significantly. Thus, the optimum resin concentration for the prepared OBFRC was 20%. This OBFRC is stronger and has better modulus and water resistance than other similar products, implying that it could be developed as an improved outdoor flooring and building material.