Physical-mechanical properties of bamboo fibers-reinforced biocomposites: Influence of surface treatment of fibers

The composition and the morphology of most plant fibers allow their use as reinforcement of biocomposites. In this study, the effect of the modification of the surface of the fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of biocomposites reinforced with bamboo fibers is analyzed. For the experimental procedure, three treatments were carried out: mercerization, ozone, and plasma. The influence of the treatments on the modification of the surface of the fibers was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The analysis of the properties of the fibers was focused on the determination of the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, density, moisture content, and absorption capacity. The evaluation of physical properties of biocomposites consisted in the determination of the density, effective absorption, and dimensional stability. The determination of the mechanical properties focused in the evaluation of their behavior under compression and static bending. The results obtained were compared with the results for biocomposites made with untreated fibers, and they demonstrate that by using treated fiber it is possible to increase both the dimensional stability of the panels and their mechanical strength by more than 50%.