Extraction of bamboo fibers and their use as reinforcement in polymeric composites

Few investigations have been carried out with bamboo fibers despite its hig h strength, biodegradability, and low cost. The overall objective of this w ork was to investigate fiber extraction from bamboo and the use of these ba mboo fibers as reinforcement in polymeric composites. A combination of chem ical and mechanical methods was used for the extraction of bamboo fibers. C onventional methods of compression molding technique (CMT) and roller mill technique (RMT) were explored for the mechanical separation. Fiber populati on from both the techniques were characterized. Mechanical properties of th e fibers also were evaluated. Bamboo fibers obtained from CMT and RMT were used to make unidirectional composites of polyester. High values of tensile strength were observed in all the composites. The predominant mode of fail ure for the composite was shown to be the cracking of the fiber-matrix inte rface. Quantitative results from this study will be useful for further and more accurate design of bamboo reinforced composite materials. (C) 2000 Joh n Wiley & Sons, Inc.