Enhancing GFRP composites with bamboo fiber and TiO ₂ : a study on mechanical and tribological properties

This study explores the incorporation of NaOH-treated bamboo fibers in glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites, evaluating their structural, thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties. Composites were prepared with varying bamboo fiber concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) and a fixed 1% TiO2 content to assess the effect of fiber loading and filler addition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that NaOH treatment enhanced the crystallinity of bamboo fibers by removing amorphous components like hemicellulose and lignin. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated improved thermal stability in treated fibers, with a higher degradation onset compared to untreated fibers. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) also confirmed better thermal resistance, while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated chemical modifications in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin due to NaOH treatment. Mechanical testing of GFRP composites showed that 0.5% bamboo fiber content produced the highest tensile strength (155.33 ± 20.31 MPa), strain (4.779 ± 0.534%), and modulus (7.28 ± 0.29 GPa). Increasing fiber content beyond this led to a decrease in tensile properties, attributed to fiber agglomeration. Flexural strength followed a similar trend, with the optimal reinforcement at 0.5% bamboo fiber (207.52 ± 20.79 MPa). Wear resistance was enhanced by bamboo fiber incorporation, particularly at 0.5%, with reduced wear loss compared to neat GFRP. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed improved fiber dispersion and bonding. These composites are promising for structural, automotive, and aerospace applications, offering better mechanical properties and environmental sustainability.