Influence of surface‐treatment of bamboo fiber on the physico‐mechanical properties of bamboo fiber composites with virgin and recycled high‐density polyethylene

Abstract Natural fiber‐reinforced composites are showing promising results compared to synthetic fiber‐reinforced composites. Therefore, the present work highlights the utilization of chemically treated bamboo‐fiber (BF) for the preparation of bamboo‐fiber high‐density polyethylene composites (BF/HDPE). Both virgin HDPE and recycled HDPE (r‐HDPE) are considered for the preparation of bamboo fiber (BF) composite and their physico‐mechanical properties are evaluated. On alkali and stearic acid treatment, more fibrillation and surface roughness are observed in the BF surface which created more contacting surfaces to improve the interfacial interaction between the BF and HDPE & r‐HDPE matrix. The tensile strength of stearic acid‐treated BF/HDPE is increased by 9.26% and stearic acid‐treated BF‐ rHDPE shows an increment of 16.5%. Similar observations are made for impact strength which confirms the improved dispersion of BF in both matrices. The improved interfacial bonding between BFs and HDPE matrix and good dispersion between fibers and matrix can further be confirmed through the SEM images of composite fractured surfaces and FTIR analysis. Highlights Surface of BF has been modified by NaOH and stearic acid treatment. Modified fibers are used as reinforcement in virgin and r‐HDPE composites. Stearic acid treatment enhances the tensile strength of composites. Surface modification has significant impact on r‐HDPE composites.