Tensile performance of bamboo fibre reinforced recycled polypropylene composites produced via injection moulding technique

Abstract This study investigates the tensile performance of bamboo fibre-reinforced recycled polypropylene (BF-rPP) composites produced via injection moulding technique. The utilization of natural fibres in polymer composites presents an eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic fibres, enhancing sustainability in material development. In this study, the BF was blended with rPP, aiming to improve the mechanical properties of the composite, particularly tensile strength, while maintaining environmental benefits. The BF which is extracted from the Bambusa Gigantochloa Scortechinii species acts as reinforcing material for rPP composite matrix. Three percentages of BF (3%, 5% and 7%) were blended with rPP using injection moulding to fabricate the composite specimens. The injection moulding and tensile mould were developed according to ASTM D638-14 standards, and tensile performance was evaluated based on comparison with the strength of virgin polypropylene (vPP), percentage of fibre content, tensile strength, elongation to break and failure pattern of composites. It can be concluded that the BF reinforcement enhances the tensile strength and stiffness of the composite but reduces the ductility of rPP. The increased fibre content in the polymer matrix leads to a stiffer, less flexible composite polymer. The 3% addition of BF in rPP is taken as the optimum addition percentage of BF in rPP because it achieves a better balance between strength and flexibility compared to 5% and 7% BF. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of bamboo fibres significantly improves the tensile properties of recycled polypropylene composites, making them suitable for various structural and engineering applications. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of using natural fibres to reinforce recycled polymers, contributing to the advancement of sustainable composite materials.