Reinforcement of plastic composite with bamboo fibers / Sukry Muda

Themoplastic composite were produced using Gigantochloa scortechinii fibers in combination with polypropylene at various plastic to fiber ratio (90 : 10, 70 : 30 and 50 : 50), fiber size (2.00mm and 0.35mm) and maleated anhydride polypropylene as compatibilizer. The bamboo fibers were produced using a Sprout Waldroun Defibrator. The plastic was blended with the bamboo fibers in a Dispersion Mixer at 175°C. A 3% MAPP was added as compatibilizer. The blended mixture was then rolled into thin sheet and crushed in a crusher machine to produce pellets. The pellet (in measured quantity) was than placed in a chromed-plated mould and hot pressing to thermoplastic composite at 180°C. The pressed board was than cooled, trimmed and cut into test specimens before being tested according to British Standard. From the statistical analysis, it was observed that the boards produce from 0.35mm fiber size had greater values in bending strength compared with board from 2.0mm fiber size. Whereas for tensile strength and water absorption test, board containing 0.35mm fiber had lower value than those containing 2.0mm fiber. It was also shown that MOR and MOE decreases while TEN, TMOE and WA increases insignificantly with a change in fiber size. The addition of MAPP to the board increases all the mechanical properties (except for ELONG) and improved the dimensional stability of the composite. MAPP was observed to significantly increase the TEN and TMOE, MOR and MOE increased insignificantly while WA and ELONG decreased insignificantly. Based on overall result, it is economical and preferable to add only 10% of bamboo fiber in producing thermoplastic composite using Gigantochloa scortechinii as filler in order to obtain the maximum desirable strength and dimensional properties.