The Influence of Alkaline Treatment on Tensile Properties of Short Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Resin Biocomposites

Abstract

In this work, the influence of alkaline treatment on tensile properties of short bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy resin biocomposites was investigated. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as a treatment agent. To improve the ability of adhesion, bamboo fibers were treated in NaOH solution in different concentrations and soaking times. The treated fibers were then fabricated to composites via casting technique. Mechanical properties and microstructure of biocomposites were determined using tensile testing and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. From the results, it could be seen that the alkaline treatment can improve the fiber-matrix adhesion which have effect to better mechanical properties of biocomposites.