Effect of surface treatment on interfacial strength between bamboo fiber and PP resin

The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between a bamboo fiber bundle and maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was examined for various kinds of surface treatments in conjunction with ultrasonic washing. Bamboo fiber bundles were extracted from Chinese bamboo by either mechanical scratching or steam explosion. The effect of fiber bundle diameter on IFSS was measured by using the micro-droplet test. The test results showed that higher IFSS was observed for bundles having smaller diameter. Isocyanate silane treatment improved IFSS in the case of raw bamboo fibers while it was less effective to improve IFSS for steam exploded fibers. The highest tensile strength of bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene was obtained when steam exploded bamboo fibers were used as the reinforcement.