Effect of fibre loading and consolidation pressure on physical and mechanical properties of bamboo fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composite

In designing polymer composite with desired application areas, the information on the effect of fabrication conditions and characteristics of the reinforcement is needed. The effect of different bamboo fibre contents and compaction pressures on the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester (BFRUPR) composite was investigated. The result showed that the addition of bamboo fibre at different compaction pressures significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of composite. The composite with 15 wt% of BF has good flexural properties due to ability of bamboo fibre to support the load applied. The percentage of moisture uptake, water absorption and thickness swelling increased as the fibre weight fraction increased due to the high cellulose content which hydrophilic in nature. The strength and flexural properties of BFRUPR composite decreased with the increment percentage of moisture uptake, water absorption and thickness swelling.