Tensile properties and morphological insights into chemically modified fibres of Pseudoxytenanthera bamboo species as sustainable reinforcements in composites

• Published in: Advances in Bamboo Science (Online) Vol. 5; p. 100050
• Main Authors: Jiyas, N., Sasidharan, Indu, Bindu Kumar, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-11-2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bamboo fibre; Composite materials; Mechanical characterization; Optical microscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Tensile properties; Scanning electron microscopy; Optical microscopy; Composite materials; Mechanical characterization; Bamboo fibre; Tensile properties
• ISSN: 2773-1391; 2773-1391
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bamboo.2023.100050

This study evaluated the tensile properties of fibres from Pseudoxytenanthera ritcheyi and P. stocksii, with reference to the more commonly used Bambusa balcooa, in order to determine their viability as reinforcements in structural composite materials. Tensile tests were conducted on individual fibres under three distinct moisture conditions: ambient conditions, desiccated (fully dry) conditions, and saturated conditions for both untreated and chemically treated fibres. The investigation focused on comparing the axial tensile modulus and ultimate strength of bamboo fibres with varying gauge lengths. Notably, fracture morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed a comprehensive correlation between natural fibre characteristics and their mechanical properties. A water absorption study was also conducted on these fibres. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis was performed to assess the thermal stability of the fibres. The results indicate that Pseudoxytenanthera species exhibit promising potential for the development of high-performance, sustainable materials within the realm of composite materials. This research contributes to expanding the understanding of bamboo fibres and their suitability as reinforcements in structural composites, thus promoting advances in the field of composite material engineering.
•Objective: This study comprehensively evaluates the tensile properties of two Pseudoxytenanthera bamboo fiber varieties (ritcheyi and stocksii) in comparison to the commonly used Bambusa balcooa. The aim is to assess their potential as reinforcements in structural composite materials.•Moisture Conditions: Tensile tests were conducted under three moisture conditions: ambient, desiccated (fully dry), and saturated, for both untreated and chemically treated fibers.•Focus on Axial Tensile Properties: The investigation primarily compares the axial tensile modulus and ultimate strength of bamboo fibers with varying gauge lengths.•Fracture Morphology Analysis: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for fracture morphology analysis, enabling a comprehensive correlation between natural fiber characteristics and mechanical properties.•Water Absorption Study: The study includes a water absorption analysis of the bamboo fibers.•Thermal Stability Assessment: Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to assess the thermal stability of the fibers.•Promising Potential: Based on the results, the study concludes that Pseudoxytenanthera bamboo species shows significant promise for the development of high-performance, sustainable materials in the field of composite materials.•Contribution to Composite Material Engineering: This research contributes to expanding our understanding of bamboo fibers and their suitability as reinforcements in structural composites, thereby advancing the field of composite material engineering.