Bamboo Particles-Polyvinyl Chloride Composites: Analysis of Particles Size Distribution and Composites Performance

Abstract

Analysis of particles size distribution of Malaysian bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris and Schizostachyum brachycladum) for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites production was conducted using dynamic image analysis (DIA). A wide distribution of bamboo particles length was recorded, varying from almost 0 to 1500-µm for both species. Inadequate amount of actual particles length distribution from each sieve size (75-µm and 1-mm) was also recorded. DIA observed an increase of aspect ratio from small to large particles, and fine particles were recorded to be slightly elongated than the large ones. However, the effects of bamboo particles size on the finished PVC composites performance were uncertain, considerable of numerous other factors that influence the performance. Only impact and water uptake properties of composites have been obviously affected by different particles size. Greater modulus value is observed in composites with high particles loading, though low impact strength and water resistance were recorded. The incorporation of high concentration of selected processing lubricants in the composites formulation helped to improve the impact and water resistance of the composites. Malaysian bamboo particles-PVC composites performance between different species was equivalent, demonstrated that both species displayed identical behaviour for composites production.