Oil and Silane Surface Treatment of Bamboo Fibers for Improved Hydrophobicity and Strength Retention in Angled Composites

Abstract

Effects of different surface treatments were studied relative to the moisture absorption, tensile strength, and interfacial strength were compared for bamboo fibers with epoxy resin. The results showed that the bamboo fibers treated with palm oil had relatively good hydrophobicity and bonding strength with epoxy, and less influence on the tensile strength. Palm oil treatment at 150 °C decreased the strength of bamboo fibers, but it enhances the strength of angled bamboo fibers compared to that without oil treatment. Subsequently, tensile strength retention of angle-shaped bamboo fibers was investigated. The results showed that bamboo fibers treated with palm oil before preforming was able to improve the tensile strength after forming (from 222 to 252 MPa). The study also highlighted the process sequence of the surface treatments for improved strength retention after forming.