Study on the Effect of Vietnamese Bambusa stenostachyum Fiber on the Properties of PP/bamboo Fiber-organoclay Composite

Abstract

Fibers of Vietnamese Bambusa stenostachyum (BF), a high-cellulose-content bamboo species, were mixed into polypropylene (PP) matrix for the new composite material with novel performance. We also systematically investigated the chemical constituents of this Bambusa stenostachyum and then treated its surface by versatile surface modification methods to enhance the compatibility between natural fibers and PP matrix. To further improve the material’s properties, the composite of PP/BF has been reinforced by glyceride-modified montmorillonite (MMT). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus analysis were evaluated. Besides, thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were carried out to study the thermal characteristics of the composites.