1. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976 – 6340(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115 © IAEME
110
CHARACTERIZATION OF TENSILE PROPERTIES OF TREATED
BAMBOO NATURAL FIBRE POLYMER COMPOSITE
Dheeraj Kumar
Asstt. Prof., Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Delhi College of Technology & Management, Palwal, Haryana (121105), India
ABSTRACT
This research paper shows the practical observation which includes characterization of tensile
properties of potential bamboo fibre. It consist calculation of tensile strength (MPa) of treated
bamboo fibre with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The fabrication of various bamboo fibre samples were
made by hand lay-up technique. Result shows the variation in tensile strength in respect with the
variation in fibre content (%).
Keywords: Tensile Strength (MPa), Fibre Content (%), Wet Lay-Up Method, Fibre Orientation,
Bamboo Fiber.
INTRODUCTION
When two or more materials with different properties are combined together, they form a
composite material [1]. Composites are multifunctional material systems that provide characteristics
not obtainable from any discrete material. They are cohesive structures made by physically
combining two or more compatible materials, different in composition and characteristics and
sometimes in form [2]. Composite materials are heterogeneous materials consisting of two or more
solid phases, which are in intimate contact with each other on a microscopic scale. They can be also
considered as homogeneous materials on a microscopic scale in the sense that any portion of it will
have the same physical property [3].
LITERATURE REVIEW
Tingju Lu, et al., (2013) this paper shows an effect of surface modification of bamboo
cellulose fibres on mechanical properties of cellulose/epoxy composites. Bamboo cellulose fibres
were treated with NaOH aqueous solution and silane coupling agent, respectively, before they were
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Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115
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2. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976 – 6340(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115 © IAEME
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applied into epoxy composites [4]. Bhandari Netra L., et al., (2012) this paper shows the analysis of
morphological and mechanical behaviours of bamboo flour reinforced polypropylene composites [5].
Prity Aniva Xess, (2012) this research shows the erosion wear behaviour of bamboo fibre based
hybrid composites. It involves the study of the physical, mechanical, dynamic mechanical and
erosion wear behaviour of the composites [6]. Chattopadhyay Sanjay K., et al., (2011) this research
paper shows the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of bamboo fibre reinforced
polypropylene composites. Short bamboo fibre reinforced polypropylene composites were prepared
by incorporation of various loadings of chemically modified bamboo fibres [7]. Ratna Prasad A. V.,
et al., (2011) this paper shows the mechanical properties of natural Fibre reinforced polyester
composites: Jowar, sisal and bamboo. In this paper, the experiments of tensile and flexural tests were
carried out on composites made by reinforcing Jowar as a new natural Fibre into polyester resin
matrix [8]. Kumar V., et al., (2011) it gives the Impedance-spectroscopy analysis of oriented and
mercerized bamboo fibre-reinforced epoxy composite. Bamboo fibre-reinforced epoxy composites
were fabricated with untreated and alkali treated bamboo fibres. Dielectric, electric modulus, AC
(Alternative Current), and DC (Direct Current) conductivity studies were carried out to rationalize
the dielectric behaviour of bamboo/epoxy composites [9]. Pradeep K. Kushwaha, et al., (2010) this
paper shows the Effect of Silanes on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fibre-epoxy Composites.
Bamboo matting-reinforced epoxy composites were fabricated. Untreated and alkali-treated bamboo
matting was treated with different silanes. The mechanical properties (tensile strength, elastic
modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus) were determined [10]. Dagang Liu, et al., 2010, this
paper presents Starch composites reinforced by bamboo cellulosic crystals. Using a method of
combined HNO3–KClO3 treatment and sulphuric acid hydrolysis, bamboo cellulose crystals (BCCs)
were prepared and used to reinforce glycerol plasticized starch. Tensile strength and Young’s
modulus of the starch/BCC composite films (SBC) were enhanced by the incorporation of the
crystals due to reinforcement of BCCs and reduction of water uptake [11]. Samal Sushanta K. et al.,
(2009) this paper presents the fabrication and analysis of mechanical, morphological, thermal and
dynamic mechanical behaviour of polypropylene-bamboo/glass fibre hybrid composites [12]. Long
Jiang, et al., (2008) this paper shows the study of Effects of Nucleation Agent and Compatibilizer of
Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/Bamboo Pulp Fibre Composites [13].
Hitoshi Takagi, et al., (2007) this paper shows the Thermal conductivity of PLA-bamboo fibre
composites. 'Green' composites were fabricated from poly lactic acid (PLA) and bamboo fibres by
using a conventional hot pressing method [14].
METHODOLOGY
Based on the Literature Review with practical research, has been observed that the
mechanical properties of a natural fibre-reinforced composite depend on many parameters, such
as fibre strength, modulus, fibre length and orientation, in addition to the fibre-matrix interfacial
bond strength, strong fibre-matrix interface bond is critical for high mechanical properties of
composites.
Unsaturated polyster resin (DERAKANE 411-350 epoxy vinyl ester) is mixed with hardener
in 10:1 ratio to prepare the mixture. Bamboo fibres were collected from local sources obtained from
manual hammering. A wooden mould is used for composite fabrication. The short bamboo fibres are
mixed with epoxy resin by the simple mechanical stirring. The hand lay-up method is used to prepare
the sample specimen. Specimens of suitable dimension are cut using a diamond cutter for tensile
tests.
For tensile testing the specimens are cut in dog bone shape as per the dimensions, detailed
dimensions for this are shown in figure 1 and Table 1. The testing is done in standard laboratory
atmosphere of 23°C ± 2°C and 38 ± 5% relative humidity. Universal Testing Machine (Instron 3382,

3. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976 – 6340(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115 © IAEME
112
1.0KN UTM) is used for testing at cross-head speed of 06 mm/minute. The specimens are positioned
vertically in the grips of the testing machine. The grips will then tighten evenly and firmly to prevent
any slippage with gauge length kept at 50mm. The precise three tested result will be chosen for each
fibre composition of Bamboo reinforced Unsaturated Polyester matrix.
Figure 1: Specimen for Tensile Testing
Table 1: Dimensions of tensile-specimen
Dimension Value, mm
Thickness, T 4.0
Width, W 25
Length, L 120
Gauge length, G 50
Distance between grips, D 50
As the tensile test starts, the specimen elongates; the resistance of the specimen increases and
is detected by a load cell. This load value (F) is recorded until a rupture of the specimen occurred.
Instrument software provided along with the equipment will calculate the tensile properties for yield
strength and elongation at break. Below are the basic relationships to determine these properties:
Tensile strength at yield =
୑ୟ୶୧୫୳୫ ୪୭ୟୢ ୰ୣୡ୭୰ୢୣୢ
େ୰୭ୱୱ ୱୣୡ୲୧୭୬ ୟ୰ୣୟ
------ (1)
Following table 2 shows composition of various samples prepared for tensile tests.
Table 2: Sample Composition
Designation Composition No. of Samples
B Pure Epoxy 5+5+5 = 15
B1 Epoxy (95%) + Bamboo Fibre (5%) 5+5+5 = 15
B2 Epoxy (90%) + Bamboo Fibre (10%) 5+5+5 = 15
B3 Epoxy (80%) + Bamboo Fibre (20%) 5+5+5 = 15
B4 Epoxy (75%) + Bamboo Fibre (25%) 5+5+5 = 15
B5 Epoxy (70%) + Bamboo Fibre (30%) 5+5+5 = 15

4. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976
ISSN 0976 – 6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue
Following figure 2 shows specimens prepared for tensile testing.
Figure 2:
Tensile tests are carried out on Instron
temperature of 23±2˚C, and with relative humidity of 38±5%. Testing procedures is carried out in
ASTM D638 for tensile tests. Summary of the entire test
Testing Machine Used
Tensile Instron 3382, 1.0kN
UTM
Result: The tensile strength of bamboo
under this investigation are presented in table 4
at Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Lucknow.
Table 4: Tensile strength of bamboo fibre polymer
Designation Fibre Content (%)
B 0%
B1 5%
B2 10%
B3 20%
B4 25%
B5 30%
International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976
6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115 © IAEME
113
shows specimens prepared for tensile testing.
2: Samples prepared for tensile testing
Tensile tests are carried out on Instron 3382, 1.0kN Universal Testing Machine at a
˚C, and with relative humidity of 38±5%. Testing procedures is carried out in
Summary of the entire test performed are shown in the Table
Table 3: Summary of test
Working
Variables
No of
Specimen
Tested
Instron 3382, 1.0kN Load cell = 500KN
Rate = 6mm/min
5×6 = 30 ASTM D638
The tensile strength of bamboo fibre reinforced epoxy composites with different
ation are presented in table 4. Tensile testing of bamboo-epoxy composite is done
at Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Lucknow.
Tensile strength of bamboo fibre polymer composites
Content (%) Orientation (degree) Tensile Strength (MPa)
- 18.16
Random 26.22
Random 37.98
Random 45.28
Random 53.61
Random 46.91
International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976 – 6340(Print),
3382, 1.0kN Universal Testing Machine at a
˚C, and with relative humidity of 38±5%. Testing procedures is carried out in
d are shown in the Table 3.
Standard
Used
ASTM D638
reinforced epoxy composites with different fibre loading
epoxy composite is done
Tensile Strength (MPa)
18.16
26.22
37.98
45.28
53.61
46.91

5. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976 – 6340(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115 © IAEME
114
The effect of weight fraction of fibre in the composite on the tensile strength is shown in
figure 4.1. As the weight fraction of bamboo fibre increases in the composite the tensile strength of
composite is also increases. It is evident from the figure 4.1.1 tensile strength of composite increases
from 18.16 MPa at 0wt% to the maximum value of 53.61 MPa at 25wt%. Furthermore increase in
fibre loading tensile strength of the composite is reduced to 46.91 MPa at 30wt% from 53.61 MPa at
25wt%.
Figure 3: Effect of fibre loading on tensile strength of composite
CONCLUSION
The present study shows that the tensile strength of bamboo-epoxy composite increases to the
certain level of fibre loading and then starts decreasing on further fibre loading. The maximum value
of tensile strength is obtained at 25wt% of fibre loading.
REFERENCES
1. C.T. Herakovich, Mechanics of fibrous composites, John Wiley and Sons: New York; 1998,
1-27.
2. A.E. Jartiz, Design 1965, 18.
3. Rajesh Kumar Verma, Fuzzy rule based optimization in machining of glass fibre reinforced
polymer composites, Production Engineering. Thesis submitted to NIT Rourkela, 2012,
24-25.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0% 5% 10% 20% 25% 30%
TENSILESTRENGTH(MPa)
FIBER CONTENT (%)

6. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), ISSN 0976 – 6340(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6359(Online), Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 110-115 © IAEME
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4. Tingju Lu, Man Jiang, Zhongguo Jiang, David Hui, Zeyong Wang, and Zuowan Zhou, Effect
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Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. Volume 28
(22), 2009, 2729-2747.
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Bamboo pulp fibre composites: Effects of Nucliation Agent and Compatibilizer, Journal of
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Research in Engineering & Technology (IJARET), Volume 5, Issue 3, 2014, pp. 56 - 62,
ISSN Print: 0976-6480, ISSN Online: 0976-6499.
16. Siddhant Datta, B.M. Nagabhushana and R. Harikrishna, “A New Nano-Ceria Reinforced
Epoxy Polymer Composite with Improved Mechanical Properties”, International Journal of
Advanced Research in Engineering & Technology (IJARET), Volume 3, Issue 2, 2012,
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