Effect of fiber loading and chemical treatment on bamboo fiber reinforced polyester resin composite

In natural fiber reinforced polyester composite, the fiber matrix interfacial adhesion between natural fiber within hydrophilic properties because lack of compatibility with the hydrophobic polymer. A study to investigates the effect of fiber loading and chemical treatment on bamboo fiber reinforcement unsaturated polyester resin composite has been made, to overcome this problem. The bamboo fiber with different percentage 5wt%, l0wt% and 15wt% were treated with NaOH solution. Physical properties investigated were done on density, water absorption and thickness swelling while mechanical properties were modulus of elasticity and flexural strength. Fiber structure and morphology analysis showed that the amount of hemicellulose and lignin constituents decreased in the case of treated fiber. The density of untreated composite were higher than that of treated bamboo fiber. This is because the untreated bamboo fibers was highly hydrophilic in nature. The Young's Modulus and flexural strength fluctuated for both composites with increasing fiber loading. In conclusion, the treatment bamboo with chemical treatment show better result than untreated bamboo.