TITLE:
Influence of Pre-Impregnation Treatment on Bamboo Reinforced Epoxy/UPE Resin Composites
AUTHORS:
Pradeep Kr. Kushwaha, Rakesh Kumar
KEYWORDS:
Biocomposites; Pre-Impregnation; Epoxy Resin; Polyester Resin; Mechanical Properties
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Composite Materials,
Vol.2 No.4,
October
31,
2012
ABSTRACT: Bamboo based biocomposites were made with woven bamboo mats and epoxy/unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. The effects of pre-impregnation on the mechanical and water resistant properties of composites were studied. An alkaline treatment was used to enhance the fiber wetting so as to achieve complete pre-impregnation with epoxy and unsaturated polyester resins. A combined treatment of alkali and dilute epoxy/polyester gives the best result. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, water absorption were evaluated and compared for all composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the composites tensile fracture surface also indicated that there is an improved adhesion between fiber and matrix. The mechanical as well as water resistant properties of the biocomposites improved after pre-impregnation treatment.