Improving Polyurethane Foam Composites through Bamboo Fibre Reinforcement: Effect of Fibre Loading

Abstract

Environmental concerns have been highlighted by the overuse of synthetic fibres and polymers in foam products because of their limited sustainability and low biodegradability. This study investigated the potential application of bamboo fibre (BF), a natural, renewable, and environmentally friendly material, as a reinforcement for polyurethane foam (PUF) to address this issue. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different bamboo fibre loadings, ranging from 5 to 20 wt%, on the thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of BF/PUF composites. Composite samples were fabricated with different fibre loadings and analysed for thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), flexural and compression strength, and physical evaluations. The results showed that BF reinforcement improved the thermal stability of PUF, with BF5 and BF10 composites exhibiting the highest flexural strength (0.199 kPa at 10 wt%) and compression strength (0.223 kPa at 5 wt%), although higher fibre content reduced mechanical properties. In addition, the BF5 composites demonstrated the lowest percentage of moisture absorption (4.78%), thickness swelling (4.25%), and water absorption (49.7%), indicating better dimensional stability. With all factors, adding the bamboo fibre into PUF enhanced the eco-performance of polyurethane foams, making them promising candidates for environmentally friendly applications such as insulation, cushioning, and packaging.