Thermal‐mechanical properties of bamboo charcoal/recycled low‐density polyethylene composites

Abstract Bamboo fiber has garnered considerable attention owing to its high specific strength and renewability. However, the hydrophilic nature of the material must be carefully managed to create a bamboo composite with usable thermal‐mechanical properties. Herein, the NaOH‐treated bamboo fiber (particle size ≤200 μm) was used to produce bamboo charcoal (BC). Then, recycled low‐density polyethylene containing BC composites was fabricated by varying the BC composition (between 2 and 8 wt%). Effects of different BC wt% in the BC/recycled low‐density polyethylene composites (denoted as x BCPE, where x indicates BC wt% in the composites) were analyzed for tensile strength, morphology, and thermal properties. In addition, the water absorption capacities of the BCPE composites were compared. These x BCPE composites showed excellent thermal stability and low water absorption properties. Therefore, they are potential candidate materials for electrical device packaging with partial degradability. Highlights Bamboo charcoal (BC) was prepared via low‐temperature pyrolysis of alkaline‐treated bamboo fiber. BC displayed strong interfacial interaction with recycled low‐density polyethylene. Proportion of BC on the composite properties was investigated and furnished. The x BCPE composites demonstrate low water absorption and excellent thermal stability. The reinforced composite (4BCPE) shows great promise as a functional material.