STUDY ON PREPARATION OF BAMBOO FIBER REINFORCED UNSATURATED POLYESTER RESIN "GREEN" COMPOSITES

Abstract

Composite materials are usually made with organic matrixes reinforced by synthetic fillers, such as carbon or glass fibers.... But the high cost and environmental awareness of the synthetic fibers has limited their application. Meanwhile, natural fibers have been very attractive because they have been low cost, low density, eco-friendly, available in high quantities, renewable, biodegradable and shown excellent mechanical properties. In this study, green composite materials were prepared by using unsaturated polyester resins and bamboo fibers. The fibers were previously modified by chemical treatment and inserted into matrix in the role of the reinforcement. Some factors effecting to properties of products showed more advantages than modifier content were studied meticulously. As a result, composite products showed more advantages than neat polymer. For example, it does not only improve significantly mechanical properties but also becomes cheaper and friendlier with environment.