Studies on Water Absorption of Bamboo-Polyester Composites: Effect of Silane Treatment of Mercerized Bamboo

The effect of silane treatments on the water absorption properties of mercerized bamboo matting reinforced polyester composites were investigated. Treatments using gamma-Aminopropyltriethoxy silane, 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate, Vinyltris(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, Bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy silane and n-Octyltrimethoxy silane were carried out to improve the water resistant property of the bamboo fibers. Water absorption in the composites was studied by long-term immersion and 2 h boiling in distilled water. The process of absorption of water was found to follow the kinetics and mechanism described by Fick's theory. Alkali treatment results in reduction of water absorption from 51% to 35%. Further reduction is observed with silane treatment. Water absorption varies between 19% and 44%, the minimum being for aminopropyl triethoxy silane-treated composites.