Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites Research Articles

A study of mechanical properties and performance of bamboo fiber/polymer composites

In recent years, bamboo seems to have attracted the attention of researchers due to its advantages over synthetic polymers including being renewable, environmentally friendly, and fully biodegradable. Bamboo fibers at (9, 13, and 18 wt%) are filled with epoxy resin and the effects of mixing the bamboo fibers on mechanical properties were studied. In this paper, the tensile properties and performance of natural bamboo fiber powder-reinforced epoxy polymer matrix-based composites were investigated at three different curing temperatures ranging from T26 °C, T38 °C, and T50 °C. The results showed that the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the bamboo fiber/epoxy composites increased at T26 °C are 41.6 MPa and 2.84 GPa, respectively, for particle size 0.52 μm at a weight loading of 13 %. The increase in tensile strength is due to the excellent fiber matrix interface adhesion. However, it was found that the samples tested under T26 °C for bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites acquired better tensile strength than those tested under the high temperatures of T38 °C and T50 °C. According to the analysis of the flexural characteristics of bamboo particle/epoxy composites, the composite with 1.5 μm particle size has the highest flexural strength at 13 wt% weight loading, measuring 105 MPa. The composite with a 1.5 μm particle size at 18 wt% loading records the maximum impact strength of, 5593 J/m2. This work provides a new approach for the development of lightweight and high-strength composite from natural fiber and polymer.

Effect of Plasma Treatment on Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

Bamboo cellulose fiber (BF)-reinforced epoxy (EP) composites were fabricated with BF subjected to plasma treatment using argon (Ar), oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2) gases. Optimal mechanical properties of the EP/BF composites were achieved with BFs subjected to 30 min of plasma treatment using Ar. This is because Ar gas improved the plasma electron density, surface polarity, and BF roughness. Flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with O2 plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the etching of the fiber surface with Ar gas improved interfacial adhesion. The water contact angle and surface tension of the EP/BF composite improved after 10 min of Ar treatment, owing to the compatibility between the BFs and the EP matrix. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed a reduction in lignin after treatment and the formation of new peaks at 1736 cm-1, which indicated a reaction between epoxy groups of the EP and carbon in the BF backbone. This reaction improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, and water resistance of the composites.

Investigating the impact of TiO2 filler on abrasive wear characteristics of bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites using the Taguchi method

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) filler on the abrasive wear properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites (BFRCs) using a Taguchi approach. The study aims to enhance the abrasive wear resistance of these composites by introducing TiO2 filler as a potential reinforcement, thus contributing to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Design/methodology/approach This study focuses on the fabrication of epoxy/bamboo composites infused with TiO2 particles within the Wt.% range of 0–8 Wt.% using hand layup techniques. The resulting composites were subjected to wear testing according to ASTM G99-05 standards. Statistical analysis of the wear results was carried out using the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE). Additionally, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the influential control factors impacting the specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF). Findings The study illuminates how integrating TiO2 filler enhances abrasive wear in epoxy/bamboo composites. Statistical analysis of SWR highlights abrasive grit size (grit) as the most influential factor, followed by normal load, Wt.% of TiO2 and sliding distance. Analysis of the COF identifies normal load as the primary influential factor, followed by grit, Wt.% of TiO2 and sliding distance. The Taguchi predictive model closely aligns with experimental results, validating its reliability. The morphological study revealed significant differences between the unfilled and TiO2-filled composites. The inclusion of TiO2 improved wear resistance, as evidenced by reduced surface damage and wear debris. Originality/value This research paper aims to integrate TiO2 filler and bamboo fibers to create an innovative hybrid composite material. TiO2 micro and nanoparticles show promise as filler materials, contributing to improved tribological properties of epoxy composites. The utilization of Taguchi’s DOE and ANOVA for statistical analysis provides valuable guidance for academic researchers and practitioners in optimizing control variables, especially in the context of natural fiber reinforced composites.

Bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites fabricated by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM): Effect of molding sequence and fiber content

AbstractFabricating bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (BFREs) using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process has many advantages, such as low cost, high product quality, controllability, and broad applicability. However, the immature fabrication process seriously affects product performance and hinders the full exploitation of the advantages of the VARTM process. The effects on the physical‐mechanical and thermal properties of BFREs by molding sequence and fiber content were investigated in this study. The molding sequence of fiber compression followed by resin injection was beneficial to ensure hermeticity, thus reducing the voids in the BFREs. The mechanical properties of BFREs gradually increased with increasing fiber content. With 50 wt% fiber content, the bending strength and modulus, shear strength, and impact toughness of BFREs reached 71.27 MPa, 6.78 GPa, 11.68 MPa, and 5.45 kJ/m2, respectively. Although the thermal stability of the BFREs was slightly lower than that of pure epoxy, the bamboo fibers' high rigidity evidentially increased the epoxy's dynamic mechanical properties. The life cycle assessment indicated that the BFREs effectively reduced the environmental impacts and production energy consumption compared to the glass fiber correspondent. The VARTM‐fabricated BFREs have great potential for construction, transportation, household items, packaging, sports equipment, and leisure goods applications.Highlights Fiber compression followed by resin injection could ensure great hermeticity. Micro‐CT accurately measured the void characteristics of the composites. Voids had detrimental effects on the properties of the composites. Dense bamboo fiber preforms enhanced the mechanical properties of epoxy. Bamboo fibers reinforcing epoxy reduced the impact on the environment.

Effect of TiO2 filler on mechanical and tribological properties of Owen bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite

PurposeThis paper aims to report the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) particles on the physical, mechanical, tribological and water resistance properties of 5% NaOH-treated bamboo fiber–reinforced composites.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the epoxy/bamboo/TiO2 hybrid composite filled with 0–8 Wt.% TiO2 particles has been fabricated using simple hand layup techniques, and testing of the developed composite was done in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that the addition of TiO2 particles improved the mechanical properties of the developed epoxy/bamboo composites. Tensile properties were found to be maximum for 6 Wt.%, and impact strength was found to be maximum for 8 Wt.% TiO2 particles-filled composite. The highest flexural properties were found at a lower TiO2 fraction of 2 Wt.%. Adding TiO2 filler helped to reduce the water absorption rate. The studies related to the wear and friction behavior of the composite under dry and abrasive wear conditions reveal that TiO2 filler was beneficial in improving the wear performance of the composite.Originality/valueThis research paper attempts to include both TiO2 filler and bamboo fibers to develop a novel composite material. TiO2 micro and nanoparticles are promising filler materials; it helps to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of the epoxy composites and in literature, there is not much work reported, where TiO2 is used as a filler material with bamboo fiber–reinforced epoxy composites.

Grape stalk cellulose toughened plain weaved bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composite: load bearing and time-dependent behavior

Grape stalk cellulose toughened plain weaved bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composite: load bearing and time-dependent behavior

Investigating the moisture absorption behavior of bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites by modelling

The aim of this research was to investigate the moisture absorption of bamboo fibers (BFs) and their composites manufactured using different methods. The hygroscopic properties of BFs, jute fibers (JFs), glass fibers (GFs), and epoxy (EP) were compared and analyzed using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), as well as the hygroscopic properties of the BF-Naval Ordnance Laboratory (BF-NOL), JF-NOL, GF-NOL, and bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites manufactured via filament winding (FW), hot pressing (HP), and resin transfer molding (RTM). The results were analyzed using the Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer (GAB), parallel exponential kinetics (PEK), and DoseResp models. The results indicated that BFs conformed to type II. The moisture adsorption isotherms of BF-NOL, JF-NOL, GF-NOL, and BF composites prepared by different molding processes exhibited a typical V-shape. The GAB and DoseResp models provided good fits to the changes in adsorption and desorption processes. The final equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of BFs and BF-NOL were 27.1% and 3.95%, respectively, the final EMC of BF composites prepared by RTM was 2.34%.

Performance of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Composites: Mechanical Properties

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) made from synthetic fiber had been widely used for strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in the past decades. Due to its high cost, detrimental to the environment and human health, natural fiber composites becoming the current alternatives towards a green and environmental friendly material. This paper presents an investigation on the mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced composite (BFRC) with different types of resins. The BFRC specimens were prepared by hand lay-up method using epoxy and vinyl-ester resins. Bamboo fiber volume fractions, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% and 50% was experimentally investigated by conducting tensile and flexural test, respectively. Results showed that the tensile and flexural strength of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite (BFREC) was 63.2% greater than the bamboo fiber reinforced vinyl-ester composite (BFRVC). It was found that 45% of bamboo fiber volume fraction on BFREC exhibited the highest tensile strength compared to other BFRECs. Meanwhile, 40% bamboo fiber volume fraction of BFRVC showed the highest tensile strength between bamboo fiber volume fractions for BFRC using vinyl-ester resin. Studies showed that epoxy-based BFRC exhibited excellent results compared to the vinyl-ester-based composite. Further studies are required on using BFRC epoxy-based composite in various structural applications and strengthening purposes.

Mercerization Optimization of Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Structures Using a Box-Behnken Design.

The objective of this research is to optimize the alkaline treatment variables, including sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration, soaking, and drying time, that influence the mechanical behavior of bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. In this study, a Box–Behnken design (BBD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to design an experiment to investigate the mercerization effect of bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The evaluation of predicted tensile strength as a variable parameter of bamboo fiber (Bambusa vulgaris) reinforced epoxy composite structures was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the quadratic model. In this study, a total of 17 experiment runs were measured and a significant regression for the coefficient between the variables was obtained. Further, the triangular and square core structures made of treated and untreated bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were tested under compressive loading. It was found that the optimum mercerization condition lies at 5.81 wt.% of the NaOH, after a soaking time of 3.99 h and a drying time of 72 h. This optimum alkaline treatment once again had a great effect on the structures whereby all the treated composite cores with square and triangular structures impressively outperformed the untreated bamboo structures. The treated triangular core of bamboo reinforced composites gave an outstanding performance compared to the treated and untreated square core composite structures for compressive loading and specific energy absorbing capability.

Effect of Soil Burial on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Nowadays, natural fiber reinforced composites in structural strengthening and rehabilitation was preferable due to its environmentally friendly, low cost and biodegradable characteristics compared to the synthetic strengthening material, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). However, limited information is available on natural fiber composite durability when exposed to environmental elements. This paper presents the effect of environmental exposure to the durability of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite. Bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite samples were prepared and buried in soil for 20, 40, 60 and 80 days. The composite samples were prepared using 40% fiber volume fractions. The mechanical properties (tensile and flexural) and surface morphology of the samples before and after degradation were investigated. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties deteriorate as the exposure time increases. The tensile and flexural properties of the composites decreased by about 6-19% compared to the fresh sample. The result from this work may be useful to determine the durability of natural fiber composite when exposed to environmental elements.

Thermal and mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced composites

This paper presents the thermal and mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced composite (BFRC) derived from Gigantochloa scortechinii. The bamboo fibers were prepared through chemical treatment by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) followed by physical milling method. The thermal characteristics of the bamboo fiber and its polymer composite were analysed using a thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric. The functional groups and crystallinity of the fiber were analysed with Fourier transform infrared and x-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the fiber morphology was examined using a scanning electron microscope. The BFRCs with fiber volume fractions ranging from 0 % to 40 % embedded in three thermoset resins (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester) were subjected to tensile and flexural tests and the fracture pattern was examined. The NaOH concentration of 10 % with soaking duration of 48 h was found to produce a bamboo fiber with the highest ultimate tensile and modulus strength. The tensile and flexural properties of all the BFRCs were found to be directly proportional to the fiber volume fractions. It was found that the bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite (BFREC) with 40 % fiber volume fraction exhibited the highest tensile and flexural strength compared to polyester and vinyl ester composites. The method of bamboo fiber composite preparation in this work may serve as a useful guide to produce a strong BFRC for external strengthening of buildings and structures.

The Tensile Strength of Petung Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites: The Effects of Alkali Treatment, Composites Manufacturing, and Water Absorption

Natural fiber application due to its competitiveness attracted many research in green composites. However, the tensile properties of natural fiber composites might be influenced by several factors such as treatment of the fibers, manufacturing processes, and water absorption levels. In this research, we use petung bamboo fibers as natural fibers candidate for a good reinforcement in green composites. The study focused on the tensile property of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites due to alkali treatment, manufacturing process, and water absorption. The composites were made with three variations: the fibers were varied without and with alkaline treatment (5% NaOH); manual lay-up method and hot press were applied as manufacturing variation; moisture content in the composites was varied in dry condition and after water absorption treatment. Tensile testing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), were performed to improve tensile strength of composite and fiber-matrix interface quality. The alkali treatment has less effect to the tensile strength than of the volume fraction gain and the void content. Composite manufacturing by hot press has a significant effect to the improvement of tensile strength up to 37% compare to the hand lay-up method. Water absorption up to 8.8% had decreased the tensile strength of composites up to 29%. The alkali treatment on the bamboo fibers had effectively reduced water absorption into the composite as well as the tensile strength reduction.

The mechanical, hygral, and interfacial strength of continuous bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites

This study is to investigate the mechanical, hygral, and interfacial strength of continuous bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The untreated and alkali-treated continuous bamboo fibers were prepared from cutting the nature bamboo culm. The basic characteristics of the bamboo fibers, such as density, equivalent diameter, and tensile properties were experimentally measured. The bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy (BF/EP) composites were fabricated by the resin transfer molding (RTM) process with the resulting fiber volume fraction about 42%. The strength of bamboo fiber was found to decrease with the alkaline treatment. However, alkali-treated bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites acquired better tensile strength than those with untreated bamboo fibers. The untreated bamboo fiber was believed to have weak interface with the epoxy resin, which was verified by the subsequent interface strength tests. The size effect of bamboo fibers on the tensile properties of the BF/EP composites were also studied. The results showed that the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composite increase with the decrease of the bamboo fiber diameter. For the hygrothermal aging test, BF/EP composites are highly sensitive to moisture absorption, and the moisture has a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of the BF/EP composite.

Synthesis and Erosion Wear Analysis of Short Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites Filled with Ceramic Fillers

Hybrid natural fiber reinforced composites with ceramic fillers has been fabricated. Two ceramic fillers (Alumina and Silicon Carbide) have been used for the synthesis of composites and the samples have been fabricated with hand layup technique. 10% and 20% weight percentage of filler materials have been used for the different sets of composite samples. Erosion wear analysis of these composite samples has been carried out at different impingement angles (30,45,60,75, and 90) with varying impact velocities (48 m/s, 70 m/s, 82 m/s, and 109 m/s) and with varying erodent size (108, 125,150, 180µm). Results for the composites with and without filler have been compared. It has been observed that composites filled with particulate filler shows improvement in wear resistance properties as compared to composites without filler. Among the two fillers, Al2O3 has shown better resistance as compared to silicon carbide. A scanning electron microscope has been used to study the morphology of eroded surfaces and the mode of material removal.

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

Bamboo fibers demonstrate enormous potential as the reinforcement phase in composite materials. In this study, in order to find suitable NaOH concentration for bamboo fiber treatment, bamboo fibers were treated with 2 wt.%, 6 wt.% and 10 wt.% NaOH solutions for 12 h, respectively. We determined that 6 wt.% NaOH treated bamboo fibers were optimal for the fabrication of bamboo fiber composites by single fiber tensile test, single fiber pull-out test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The short length bamboo fibers treated with 6 wt.% NaOH solutions were well dispersed in the epoxy matrix by a new preparation method. The effect of fiber content and fiber length on the mechanical behavior of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. The results confirmed that fracture toughness and flexural modulus of the composites monotonically increased with fiber length and content. However, for all samples, composites showed negligible difference on the flexural strength. The fracture surfaces of the composites were observed by SEM, revealing that fiber breakage, matrix cracking, debonding, and fiber pull out were major failure types. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to investigate the thermal behavior of both bamboo fibers and composites.

Influence of Kevlar Hybridization on Dielectric and Conductivity of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

ABSTRACTIn a motive to develop a natural fiber-based dielectric material, bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composite is fabricated using hand layup technique and hybridized with Kevlar K29 fiber to enhance its properties. Dielectric and conductivity studies are performed using LCR meter on the composite samples as a function of frequency (100 Hz-1 MHz) and temperature (22–120°C). From the experiment, it is observed that the dielectric properties of bamboo-based natural composite are significantly enhanced by Kevlar hybridization. And also the influence of variation in frequency and temperature on the electrical properties i.e. dielectric and conductivity of the fabricated composite was studied. The morphological study is also carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Fracture behaviour of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract In this work, experimental and numerical study on fracture behaviour of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites is presented. Optimum NaOH concentration for treatment of bamboo fibers was determined through single fiber tensile test and microscopic inspection of fiber surface through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). The results demonstrated that 6% NaOH treated fibers showed maximum ultimate tensile strength of 234 MPa. Single fiber fragmentation test results showed that interfacial adhesion is improved by treating fibers with 6% NaOH. Bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite was fabricated using 6% NaOH treated bamboo fibers of length 10 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm with random distribution in epoxy matrix. Mode-I plane strain fracture toughness (K IC ) of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites was investigated based on Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) approach as per ASTM D5045 . Results showed that composites having 25 mm length of fibers had the largest K IC value of 2.67 MPa.m 1/2 , whereas composites with 10 mm fiber length showed lowest value of fracture toughness K IC of 1.61 MPa.m 1/2 . SEM results revealed that fiber breakage, matrix cracking, fiber matrix debonding and fiber pull out are major causes of failure of composite. Simulation/modelling of crack propagation in CT (Compact Tension) specimen by using FEA software ABAQUS ® showed similar results as experimental values.

Finite Element Analysis of Internal Door Panel of a Car by Cons idering Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

In this paper work the dynamic structural Finite Element Analysis of internal door panel of a vehicle by considering bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite (BFREC) materials was conducted. The objective of the paper is to develop a suitable model of internal door panel for Toyota DX car, to conduct a transient dynamic structural analysis (stress and displacement analysis) of internal door panel by finite element method, to compare the performance of BFREC material with previously recommended materials of internal door panel. The door panel of Toyota Corolla DX model vehicle was used to develop the geometric model of the internal door panel by CATIA V5 R20 modeling software. This 3-D geometric model was imported to using ANSYS Workbench 15.0. The transient dynamic structural FEA was done after assigning loading and boundary conditions. The applied load considered for this analysis is the self-inertial weight of the panel due to the acceleration field produced while the door is closing. The equivalent stress and the displacement are noted and investigated to compare with the literatures revised. The result shows that, bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite panel has the smallest mass and equivalent stress values, as compared with the lignocellulosic composite and polypropylene one. Based on these realities, it is recommended that bamboo fiber reinforced with epoxy composite materials are suitable for internal structural automotive panel applications.

Giant Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite in Multilayered Ballistic Armor

The ballistic performance of a multilayered armor with a front ceramic tile backed by a plate of giant bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite was assessed. The ceramic layer spalls the projectile, while the bamboo composite dissipates the remaining energy. Ballistic tests were performed with high velocity ammunition and the projectile penetration was evaluated by the intrusion depth in a clay witness. The average depth value of near 18 mm was found well below the limit specified by the NIJ standard of 44 mm and better than that for aramid fabric composite, about 22 mm, with the same thickness of the giant bamboo composite. The giant bamboo composite acts as an efficient barrier for the fragments originated from the ceramic brittle rupture. For practical application in portable armor for personal protection, the layer of giant bamboo composite presents not only a superior ballistic performance but also lightness and economical advantages over the conventional aramid fabric.

Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Jute and Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Unidirectional Epoxy Composites

A detailed investigation of physical, mechanical and thermal properties of jute and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy resin unidirectional void free composites was carried out. The composites were prepared by using vacuum technique. Scanning electron microscopic analysis, tensile and flexural testing and thermogravimetric analysis were performed in order to evaluate surface morphology, mechanical properties and thermal behavior of the unidirectional composites respectively. The relationship between theoretical and experimental values was figured out using rules of mixture. The analytical results showed good agreement with the experimental results. Comparing jute and bamboo fiber reinforced unidirectional composites, it is observed that bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites showed good results in terms of tensile strength, while jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites had higher Young's modulus values. Bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites showed good flexure strength in the longitudinal distribution. On the other hand, jute fiber reinforced epoxy composited had better flexural strength with transverse fiber distribution in the composites. Fiber distribution was not uniform for both bamboo and jute fiber reinforced unidirectional epoxy composites. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed that morphological changes took place depending on the fiber orientation in epoxy composites. It is also observed from thermogravimetric analysis that jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites had better thermal behavior compared to bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites.