A Study of Tensile Properties and Performance of Bamboo Fiber-Epoxy Resin Composites

In recent years, bamboo’s eco-friendly advantages over synthetic polymers have attracted great attention. This study investigates the effects of mechanical property on G. scortechinii (Buluh Semantan) bamboo fibers, incorporating them at different weight percentages (9, 13 and 18 wt%) are filled in epoxy resin. In this paper, the study of tensile properties and performance of natural bamboo fiber powder reinforced epoxy polymer matrix-based composites were investigated at three distinct curing temperature ranging T26°C, T38°C and T50°C. The treatment of the bamboo fibers improved the mechanical properties of the composites. Mechanical property like tensile strength was evaluated and morphology of the fracture specimens of the composite was studied through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Results indicate that, at 26°C, tensile strength reached 41.6 MPa and Young’s modulus 2.84 GPa at 13% loading with a 0.52μm particle size. However, at higher temperatures of 38°C and 50°C, tensile strength dropped to 21.2 MPa and 6.15 MPa, correspondingly, with an 18% loading and a 1.5μm particle size. The increase in the tensile strength is due to the excellent fiber matrix interface adhesion. However, it was discovered that the samples with bamboo fiber reinforced- epoxy composites T26°C temperature had greater tensile strength than samples with high temperature T38°C and T50°C bamboo fibers. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis at 13% weight loading revealed robust fiber-matrix interfaces without clumping or voids. This study presents a novel approach for creating lightweight, high-strength composites using bamboo fiber and polymer, offering versatility in various applications.