Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Chemically Functionalized Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Composites by Palsule Process

Palsule process has been used for composites requiring lower processing temperatures only. The process is extended to higher processing temperatures for bamboo fibers/CF-ABS composites. This study establishes fiber/matrix adhesion by the process at higher processing temperatures. The composites show higher mechanical properties except impact strength than CF-ABS. Shows advantages of Palsule process over fiber treatment and compatibilizer processes. Bamboo fibers (BBF) and reinforced chemically functionalized acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (CF-ABS) composites (BBF/CF-ABS) have been processed up to 190oC, extending Palsule process to higher processing temperatures. The composites show higher tensile and flexural properties than CF-ABS. BBF act as stress concentrators, reduce deformation and thus impact strength of the composites relative to the matrix. Esterification reaction and hydrogen bonds are formed between BBF and CF-ABS at higher processing temperatures also, and these bonds impart adhesion between them in the composites. Thermal stability of the BBF/CF-ABS composites is between those of BBF and CF-ABS, and their degradation starts above 270oC. The composites show better mechanical properties than the same composite by the fiber treatment, the compatibilizer and their combined processes.

Automated summary

The Palsule process, originally used for composites requiring lower processing temperatures, has been extended to higher processing temperatures for bamboo fibers/CF-ABS composites. This study establishes fiber/matrix adhesion at higher processing temperatures and the composites show higher mechanical properties than CF-ABS, except for impact strength. The Palsule process demonstrates advantages over fiber treatment and compatibilizer processes.