Cellulose nanofiber networked bamboo particle‐based biocomposites

Abstract This paper deals with preparation and characterization of cellulose nano fibers (CNF) extracted from the bamboo pulp using TEMPO (2,2,6,6,‐Tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy) oxidization method. The CNF was used as a binder to prepare biocomposites (particleboards) from bamboo particles. The specimens were fabricated using an industrial oven and further hot pressing. Morphological analysis of bamboo pulp and CNF was carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM), confirming fiber formation in nanoscale. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of the pure CNF film shows storage modulus of 121.58 GPa. Composite specimens prepared were subjected to tensile and flexural tests to characterize the mechanical properties. The tensile strength was found to be 0.19 MPa for oven‐dried (OD) samples and 0.661 MPa for hot‐pressed (HP) samples. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) for OD samples was 121.8 and 1065.5 MPa for HP samples, respectively. Modulus of rupture (MOR) was found to be 0.77 and 3.25 MPa, for OD and HP samples, respectively. The present study results show that the CNF extracted from the bamboo pulp can be used as a sole binder in making biocomposites.