Analysis of the steam aging properties of boron nitride reinforced bamboo fiber/high density polyethylene composites

Investigating the effect of boron nitride on the steam aging properties of bamboo fiber/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites based on the exposure hygroscopic aging mode. The results showed that steam aging caused an increase in the total discoloration, water absorption rate, surface oxygen element, and surface roughness; and a decrease in the mechanical properties, wear resistance, and fiber/matrix interface quality of the bamboo fiber/HDPE composites. The maximum increased in water absorption rate, weight loss, and volume loss were 137.5%, 446.8%, and 462.0%, respectively. Simultaneously, the maximum decreased in tensile and flexural strength were 39.7% and 39.6%, respectively. The introduction of boron nitride conversely affected the above properties of the bamboo fiber/HDPE composites compared to steam aging. However, when the boron nitride content exceeded a certain level, the enhancement effect on the steam aging properties of the bamboo fiber/HDPE composites decreased. Both steam aging and the introduction of boron nitride did not change the infrared characteristic absorption of the bamboo fiber and matrix on the surface of the bamboo fiber/HDPE composites. The damage of the bamboo fiber/HDPE composites by erosive wear was mainly characterized by crushing of the bamboo fiber and brittle fracture of the matrix.