The effect of size and composition on bamboo particulate filled composite / Rozaimi Ahmad

The mechanical properties of composite depending on the size and composition of the particulate bamboo were studied. The matrix use is Homopolymer Polypropylene from Propelinas Malaysia. No coupling agent was added into the compound. Bamboo use was from the type of gigantochba Scortechinii. The bamboo will not go throughout any treatment to modify its compatibility. No coupling agent added into the composite blend to enhance its compatibility. Fabrication process was done by hot and cool press molding in the temperature of 200 C. The composite formed will be testing by several test namely tensile test, Izod Impact test, Fourier Transform Infrared Test and Thermogravimetric Analysis Test. Experiment conducted shows that an increasing in filler loading will decrease the strength and impact properties of the product. Meanwhile, a smaller particle size will increase the strength and impact properties. Smaller particle size also leads to increase the interaction of matrix and filler, and increase the degradation temperature of the compound. Moreover, more functional bonding can be seen by decreasing the particle size of the filler. The mechanical properties of the composite do not eclipsed the mechanical properties of pure Polypropylene due to poor binding forces. The present of bubbles and voids also affecting the overall properties of the composite.