Fracture properties of hybrid woven bamboo/woven e-glass fiber composites

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fracture properties of hybrid woven bamboo (WB)/woven e-glass (EG) fiber composites with various layer arrangements. This paper utilized a specific type of bamboo species named Gigantochloa Scortechinii (Buluh Semantan). Design/methodology/approach In these experiments, unsaturated polyester, woven EG and WB fibers were prepared through the hand lay-up technique. The composite bamboo strips were prepared in 1.5 mm thickness. The strips are woven to make a single layer. The layer was then laminated into several thicknesses. The specimens were then characterized using compact tension fracture tests. Findings The fracture toughness of 12–14 MPa was obtained. These findings suggest that this hybrid bamboo composite provides superior fracture strength that is equivalent with steel alloy and is extremely a good alternative for reinforcing fibers to combat fracture failures of materials and structures. Originality/value In this paper, experimental determination of newly developed composite made of WB and woven EG is presented.