Fabrication and Characterization of Bamboo Fiber/Carbon nanotubes/Graphene oxide Reinforced Polyethylene glycol Composites for Advanced Packaging Applications

In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based composites reinforced with bamboo fibers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated via compression moulding and evaluated for mechanical and antibacterial performance, targeting advanced packaging applications. Four formulations were developed: A (bamboo/PEG), B (bamboo/PEG + CNT), C (bamboo/PEG + GO), and D (bamboo/PEG + CNT + GO). Compared to pure PEG, tensile strength improved by up to 128 % (91.52 MPa for A), Young's modulus by up to 89 % (754.89 MPa for D), and flexural strength by up to 146 % (98.68 MPa for D). Impact strength increased by up to 278 % (0.927 J/mm² for D), while surface hardness rose by up to 675 % (19.37 GPa for D). Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was significantly enhanced, with inhibition zones increasing by up to 140 % in the hybrid composite D (24 mm and 22 mm, respectively) compared to pure PEG. The results demonstrate that hybrid micro–nano reinforcement, combining bamboo fibres, CNTs, and GO, provides a balanced enhancement in stiffness, toughness, surface resistance, and antimicrobial function, offering a multifunctional and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials.