A comparison analysis on mechanical properties between 355 µm bamboo fiber, chopped strand mat and epoxy hybrid composite versus 500 µm bamboo fiber, chopped strand mat and epoxy hybrid composite

In order to increase the utilization of polymer composite technology, natural fiber reinforced composites are required. Because of its exceptional mechanical qualities, bamboo culm fiber in hybrid composites has drawn the rigorous attention of researchers and producers. Gigantochloa Scortechinii, a particular species of bamboo, was obtained for this investigation from the Bukit Larang hamlet in Melaka, Malaysia. In these trials, a 5 mm thick metal mold was used to manually lay-up epoxy, chopped strand mat, and bamboo fiber. The 355 µm and 500 µm composite bamboo fibers were made. There was a range in the percentage of bamboo fibers from 1% to 5%. After that, the specimens were examined utilizing a variety of methods, including as impact, flexural, and tensile testing. Comparing the 500 µm bamboo hybrid composite to the 355 µm bamboo hybrid composite the results showed improvements in tensile and impact strength of 22.3—42.3%. For the flexural strength, however, the reverse trend was seen (34.8-36.25%). These results imply that bamboo fiber, which is based on a hybrid composite of chopped strand mat and epoxy, produces outstanding mechanical qualities and can be a good substitute for reinforcing fibers made of composite materials.