Bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites fabricated by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM): Effect of molding sequence and fiber content

Abstract

Fabricating bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (BFREs) using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process has many advantages, such as low cost, high product quality, controllability, and broad applicability. However, the immature fabrication process seriously affects product performance and hinders the full exploitation of the advantages of the VARTM process. The effects on the physical‐mechanical and thermal properties of BFREs by molding sequence and fiber content were investigated in this study. The molding sequence of fiber compression followed by resin injection was beneficial to ensure hermeticity, thus reducing the voids in the BFREs. The mechanical properties of BFREs gradually increased with increasing fiber content. With 50 wt% fiber content, the bending strength and modulus, shear strength, and impact toughness of BFREs reached 71.27 MPa, 6.78 GPa, 11.68 MPa, and 5.45 kJ/m2, respectively. Although the thermal stability of the BFREs was slightly lower than that of pure epoxy, the bamboo fibers' high rigidity evidentially increased the epoxy's dynamic mechanical properties. The life cycle assessment indicated that the BFREs effectively reduced the environmental impacts and production energy consumption compared to the glass fiber correspondent. The VARTM‐fabricated BFREs have great potential for construction, transportation, household items, packaging, sports equipment, and leisure goods applications.Highlights Fiber compression followed by resin injection could ensure great hermeticity. Micro‐CT accurately measured the void characteristics of the composites. Voids had detrimental effects on the properties of the composites. Dense bamboo fiber preforms enhanced the mechanical properties of epoxy. Bamboo fibers reinforcing epoxy reduced the impact on the environment.

Eco‐friendly recycled glass fiber and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy‐SiO2 polymer hybrid composite: Development and mechanical characterization

“…Using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique, at 50 wt% fiber content, BFREs demonstrated bending strength and modulus of 71.27 MPa and 6.78 GPa, shear strength of 11.68 MPa, and impact toughness of 5.45 kJ/m 2 . 52 The fibers' high aspect ratio aids in load transfer within the composite, resulting in enhanced mechanical performance. Overall, BFs not only bring cost-effectiveness and natural aesthetics to composites but also contribute to the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious material choices.…”

“…As the fiber content increased, the mechanical characteristics of BFREs exhibited a progressive enhancement. Using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique, at 50 wt% fiber content, BFREs demonstrated bending strength and modulus of 71.27 MPa and 6.78 GPa, shear strength of 11.68 MPa, and impact toughness of 5.45 kJ/m 2 52 . The fibers' high aspect ratio aids in load transfer within the composite, resulting in enhanced mechanical performance.…”