The Studies on Performance of Epoxy and Polyester-based Composites Reinforced with Bamboo and Glass Fibers

The mechanical and water absorption behavior of the bamboo-glass mat (strand and woven) reinforced epoxy and polyester laminate composites are studied. The hybridization with glass mat increases the mechanical and water resistant properties of the hybrid composites. The increase in properties is higher in the woven glass mat reinforced hybrid composites compared to the strand mat. For both the epoxy and polyester matrix composites, when two layers of strand glass mat were used the mechanical properties increase, but with three layers it shows a decrease in value. Whereas, with woven glass mat reinforcement the mechanical properties increase as the number of glass mat layer is increased. Addition of glass fiber results in reduction of water absorption by the epoxy and polyester bamboo composites. Water absorption is reduced with increase in the glass fibers in the composite.