Effects of environmental aging on the mechanical properties of bamboo-glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix hybrid composites

Short bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene composites (BFRP) and short bam boo-glass fiber reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites (BGRP) were fabr icated using a compression molding method. Maleic anhydride polypropylene ( MAPP) was used as a compatibilizer to improve the adhesion between the rein forcements and the matrix material. By incorporating up to 20% (by mass) gl ass fiber, the tensile and flexural modulus of BGRP were increased by 12.5 and 10%, respectively; and the tensile and flexural strength were increased by 7 and 25%, respectively, compared to those of BFRP. Sorption behavior a nd effects of environmental aging on tensile properties of both BFRP and BG RP systems were studied by immersing samples in water for up to 1200 h at 2 5 degreesC. Compared to BFRP, a 4% drop in saturated moisture level is seen in BGRP. After aging in water for 1200 h, reduction in tensile strength an d modulus for BGRP is nearly two times less than that of BFRP. Use of MAPP as coupling agent in the polypropylene matrix results in decreased saturate d moisture absorption level and enhanced mechanical properties for both BFR P and BGRP systems. Thus it is shown that the durability of bamboo fiber re inforced polypropylene can be enhanced by hybridization with small amount o f glass fibers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.