The effect of bamboo microstructure on the mechanical properties of bamboo fibre reinforced composites

© 2017 International Committee on Composite Materials. All rights reserved. Three different bamboo species of two different ages are investigated in this research. The bamboos were sourced from South America, Europe and Southeastern Asia. Fibre tensile tests and impregnated fibre bundle tests were performed to characterise the mechanical properties. The results obtained from both tests were in agreement. Fibre stiffness values between 33-41 GPa were recorded and strengths between 331-509 MPa. The species grown in Europe showed lower stiffness for a mature plant, and lower strength for a plant younger than 1 year. Chemical analysis could not indicate a difference in composition in relation to the age of the plant. However the cellulose content seems to be related to the stiffness and strength obtained from the impregnated fibre bundle tests.

Publication year:2017