Water absorption behaviour and its effect on the mechanical properties of Gigantochloa scortechinii (buluh simantan)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of short-term exposure of water to the mechanical properties of simantan fibres at different heights. Few studies have investigated the mechanical properties of raw natural fibres after water absorption. Bamboo culms were cut at 15 cm above the ground level and then subdivided into bottom, middle and top parts according to their total length. The raw fibres were immersed in distilled water at room temperature for different time durations (6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 336, 504 and 672 h). Tensile, flexural and impact properties were examined before and after water absorption, the tensile fracture of raw fibres were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the structure properties of raw fibres were examined by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The result showed that 6 h of immersion time exhibited the best tensile strength and modulus, showing 13.6% and 28% improvement compared with the dry condition. The optimum flexural strength and modulus were 240 MPa and 13.7 GPa, respectively, for the top part under dry condition. Overall results clearly showed that immersion in water for a short time minimally affected tensile strength, modulus and flexural modulus but considerably influenced flexural strength and impact properties.