Experimental Investigation of Water Absorption and Mechanical Behavior of Bamboo Fiber Based Polymer Composites

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Ramesh Babu N,

  • Neeraj S B,

  • Janesh M,

  • Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha,

  • Hitha D Shetty,

  • Manjunath HN,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. SCIENTIST-E, Wood properties and processing (WPP), Institute of wood Science and Technology-IPIRTI Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  5. Professor, Department of Basic Science, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Department of Basic Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The objective of this research is to assess the suitability of bamboo fibers as a sustainable alternative to synthetic and wood fibers for reinforcing polymer composites. Plant-based fibers, particularly bamboo, offer advantages such as biodegradability, lightweight nature, abundance, and impressive mechanical properties that rival or surpass those of conventional materials. In this study, special focus is placed on the extraction of long fibers from Dendrocalamus giganteus, using a combined mechanical and chemical method. Various process parameters are optimized to achieve high-quality fibers suitable for reinforcing applications. The experimental methodology involves preparing composite specimens using both long and short bamboo fibers. Prior to composite fabrication, the fibers undergo alkaline treatment to enhance their interfacial bonding with the polymer matrix. The resulting composites are evaluated for their mechanical performance. Observations indicate that bamboo fiber reinforcement significantly enhances the tensile and impact strength of the composites, supporting previous research on the effectiveness of short bamboo fibers. Key factors influencing the performance include the fiber-matrix interface, fiber content, treatment methods, extraction techniques, type of polymer matrix, and the specific bamboo species used. This research underscores the potential of Dendrocalamus giganteus as a renewable, locally available, and efficient source of reinforcing fibers for composite applications. The study contributes to the advancement of eco-friendly materials and provides practical insights into fiber extraction and composite preparation methods. These findings support broader efforts to reduce dependency on non-renewable resources and promote sustainable innovation in material science for various industrial sectors.

Keywords: Dendrocalamus giganteus, Water absorption, Mechanical Properties, Rupture modulus, Phenol formaldehyde, Bamboo strips.

How to cite this article:
Ramesh Babu N, Neeraj S B, Janesh M, Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha, Hitha D Shetty, Manjunath HN. Experimental Investigation of Water Absorption and Mechanical Behavior of Bamboo Fiber Based Polymer Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Ramesh Babu N, Neeraj S B, Janesh M, Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha, Hitha D Shetty, Manjunath HN. Experimental Investigation of Water Absorption and Mechanical Behavior of Bamboo Fiber Based Polymer Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237730


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 26/03/2025
Accepted 29/05/2025
Published 27/02/2026
Publication Time 338 Days
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