Study on tribological behavior of <i>Phyllostachys bambusoides</i> bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract This research explores the mechanical and tribological properties of bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, focusing on Phyllostachys bambusoides , a bamboo species known locally as “Bije bamboo,” sourced from the Apatani plateau, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The composites are fabricated by incorporating bamboo powder into an epoxy–hardener blend at 5 %, 15 %, and 25 % weight fractions using a manual molding process under sustained pressure for 24 h. The composites underwent a comprehensive tribological assessment, varying key parameters such as load (2 N, 5 N, 7 N), speed (50, 100, 150 cm s −1 ), and bamboo fiber content. A ball-on-disc tribometer was used to simulate wear behavior under these conditions. Profilometry, 3D surface morphology analysis, and optical microscopy are employed to assess wear depth and surface morphology. Notably, the composite containing 15 % bamboo fiber (BFC15) demonstrated superior tribological performance, achieving a low coefficient of friction ( COF ) of 0.087 at 5 N load and 50 cm s −1 speed. Additionally, it exhibited a remarkable 53 % improvement in wear resistance compared to the composite with 5 % bamboo fiber (BFC5). Surface roughness was observed to increase with higher bamboo fiber content, with BFC25 recording a maximum roughness of 17.57 µm, indicating delamination wear at higher speeds. The study confirms that the 15 % bamboo fiber composition strikes an optimal balance between mechanical strength, wear resistance, and frictional stability. These findings position bamboo-based biocomposites as a viable, sustainable alternative for industries requiring efficient wear management, particularly in automotive and aerospace applications.