Synthesis, Chemical Resistance, and Water Absorption of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are being increasingly used in the civil infrastructure. They have tremendous applicability to bridge systems ranging from use in seismic retrofit and strengthening of existing structural components, either in all composite form, or in conjunction with conventional construction materials. Natural fibers are not only strong and lightweight but also relatively inexpensive. Among the various natural fibers, bamboo finds widespread use in housing construction around the world, and is considered as a promising housing material. In this article, bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite has been synthesized by hand lay up technique. Effect of fiber content on chemical resistance and water absorption of composites has been studied to find the industrial suitability of the composites. Scanning electron micrographs of composites were used for a qualitative evaluation of the interfacial properties of bamboo/epoxy composites. These results indicate that bamboo can be used as a potential reinforcing material for making low load bearing thermoplastic composites. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers