Directional Performance of Gigantochloa apus Fibers Replacing Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer/Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer in Tribological and Eco‐Friendly Structures

Carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) are widely used in engineering due to their excellent mechanical properties and mature fabrication techniques. However, their environmental concerns—including high energy demands, pollution, and associated health risks—prompt the search for more sustainable alternatives. This study explores the viability of Gigantochloa apus (Apus bamboo) fiber composites as eco‐friendly substitutes for CFRP/GFRP, especially in structural and tribological applications. Using both experimental and simulation methods, the mechanical and tribological properties of bamboo fiber composites are evaluated. While carbon and glass fibers show higher tensile strengths (317.6 and 277.3 MPa, respectively), bamboo fiber demonstrates superior elasticity with a strain of 1.9% despite its lower strength (76.3 MPa). Bamboo also has the lowest density (1.0475–1.0565 g cm ⁻³ ), making it attractive as a lightweight material. Tribological tests show that woven bamboo composites have similar scratch resistance (≈40 μm depth) to CFRP/GFRP, though higher friction coefficients (0.13–0.14) and wear rates are observed. Despite this, bamboo fibers exhibit better flexibility and damping behavior, minimizing permanent deformation and microcrack formation. These results suggest that with improved wear resistance, G. apus fiber composites could serve as sustainable alternatives in automotive, aerospace, and vibration‐sensitive structural systems.