Polyester composites filled carbon black and activated carbon from bamboo (Gigantochloa scortechinii): Physical and mechanical properties

Carbon black and activated carbon were produced from bamboo (Gigantochloa scortechinii) using pyrolysis (at 900 degrees C) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) chemical activation (at 700 degrees C) and used as a filler in polyester composites. The composites were prepared at 10, 20, 30, and 40% filler loading. The effects of water absorption, water content, and density of composites were determined. Results showed that water content and water absorption slightly increased as filler loading increased, while density value decreased as filler loading increased. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were performed at different filler loading. The results indicated that tensile and flexural strength, elongation at break, toughness and impact properties decreased as filler loading increased. However, the tensile and flexural modulus exhibited the reverse phenomenon. The filler-matrix bonding from impact fracture was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).