DEVELOPMENT OF BAMBOO FIBER AND POLYESTER COMPOSITE FOR PRODUCTION OF PROTECTIVE SHIELD
This research aimed to address the need for a sustainable and effective composite material for protective shields by utilizing bamboo fiber as reinforcement and polyester resin as a matrix. The study involved the extraction of bamboo fibers from bamboo culms and their subsequent treatment with a 0.5 mole NaOH solution to enhance compatibility with polyester resin. Composite samples were prepared using different weight percentages of treated bamboo fiber (ranging from 10% to 70%) through the hand-layup technique. The research focused on evaluating key mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact hardness, and water absorption, across seven distinct composite samples. Among these, Sample 'D' (consisting of 40 wt.% bamboo fiber and 60 wt.% polyester resin) exhibited the most promising mechanical properties and was selected for further analysis. It demonstrated exceptional characteristics, with a hardness value of 75.10 HV, flexural strength of 145.8 MPa, tensile strength of 68.60 MPa and an impact strength of 69.00 KJ/m�. Moreover, Sample 'D' displayed a low water absorption rate of 0.35% and a density of 158 g/cm�. Thermal stability was confirmed by measuring the glass transition temperature (Tg) at 113.4�C and 115.6�C. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed some instances of delamination and micro voids at various magnifications (X300, X330, X1000, and X1500). These findings underscore the potential of treated bamboo fiber reinforced with polyester resin for the production of protective shields. In summary, this study addresses the problem of finding a sustainable material for protective shields, outlines the methodology used for developing bamboo fiber-polyester composites, presents promising results in terms of mechanical properties, and recommends the adoption of these composites for applications in security and defense equipment, contributing to the advancement of sustainable materials in this field.
Authors : Akindapo, J.O., Adeleke, S.A. and Orueri, D.U.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 9(2) Date Uploaded : 11th October 2023