Effect of alkali and peroxide treatments of bamboo fibers on bamboo/E-Glass hybrid composites

Abstract

The hydrophilic nature of natural fibers limits their compatibility with polymer matrices in composite applications. This study examines chemical surface treatments to improve the performance of bamboo/E-glass fiber hybrid composites. Bamboo fibers were manually extracted from culms and treated with alkali and peroxide solutions to alter their surfaces. Hybrid composites were made using the hand lay-up method with different bamboo/E-glass fiber ratios and tested according to ASTM standards. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze chemical and structural changes. Physico-mechanical tests measured tensile, flexural, and impact strengths, and water absorption was assessed. The best tensile (250 MPa) and flexural (294.84 MPa) strengths were achieved with the 5% alkali-treated 10/30 bamboo/E-glass composite. The highest impact strength (30.8 kJ/m²) was found in the 10% peroxide-treated 10/30 composite. Chemically treated composites showed reduced moisture absorption, confirming improved fiber-matrix bonding. Overall, alkali and peroxide surface treatments greatly improved the mechanical and physical properties of the hybrid composites, making bamboo fibers more suitable for advanced composite applications. • Surface treated bamboo fibers improved interfacial bonding and composite properties. • Best tensile (250 MPa) and flexural (294.8 MPa) achieved at 5% alkali in 10/30 hybrid. • Moisture absorption tests showed lower uptake with treated bamboo fibers.