CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

In the last decades, the interest in using environmentally friendly materials has grown

due to environmental and sustainability concerns. On the other hand, the depletion of

petroleum resources and the volatility of oil price foster the research for renewable raw

materials [1]. Due to the increasing cost of raw materials and the continuous reduction of

natural resources, plastic waste and bamboo fibres can be used to produce composites for the

construction industry [37]. Composites reinforced with glass, carbon or aramid fibres are

employed in many market sectors. Substitution of these reinforcing agents by natural fibres is

an interesting alternative for applications such as building, packaging, automotive

components and consumer goods [1].

Bamboo is widely distributed, naturally found in all continents except Europe.

Unevenly distributed throughout the tropical zone; also extend into the sub-tropical and even

into the temperate zone. Tropical Asia is richest in species; in Africa there are very few. In

Asia they extend into Japan and to 10,000 ft. or more on the Himalayas; and in the Andes of

South America they reach the snow-line. In Malaysia bamboo grows wild by its jungles, in

logging areas and also along river banks [38]. It is estimated there are 59 bamboo species in

Peninsular Malaysia which are from seven genera of Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Dinochloa,

Racemobamboos, Schizostachyum, Thyrsostachys and Gigantochloa [39].

Bamboos versatility and unique characteristics provide communities with options to

diversify their economies and decrease their sensitivity to climate change. Bamboos are

relatively easy to grow and can provide additional food, energy and income security to the

rural poor, as well as a range of environmental services and uses in their growing and

harvested forms. Bamboo products such as houses and charcoal, can contribute to the

livelihood resilience of rural and urban dwellers [40].

Bamboo is probably the most versatile natural raw material used in the production of

products. It is being used, or being tested for us, in almost every application where “wood”

has historically been used, and this is from decorative and construction items

The future of bamboo is as bright as its’ past. There is a literally not a day goes by,

when we are not contacted by someone else interested in assessing the use of bamboo in their

products. The beauty of the material, beyond its’ shear applicable uses is the fact that it can

be processed, reprocessed, added with this, topped with that, with the net result of making

something unique and desirable. The market will dictate what is viable and what is not, but as

a raw material, there is not one with a much better future than bamboo [41].

to household

utensils. A thriving food industry is also taking hold, as new manufacturing methodologies

are being employed to broaden its’ applicable uses for ingestion. Bamboo textile and clothing

use is also starting to ramp up its’ development, as some of the anti-microbial properties of

bamboo are being realized for more technical applications and pursuits.

Thereby, based on this study of the bamboo strips can be utilized for advance and

engineered product development for different applications.

1.2 Problem Statement

The development of natural fiber reinforced composite-based products to substitute

traditional engineering materials is becoming a trend in engineering application despite

lacking information on the basic properties especially on Malaysian bamboos particularly in

relation to their industrial applications is very limited due to limited research [2].

The development and application of bamboo based composites have wide application

possibilities, high potential of developing new industries using local crops, wastes and labor,

and significant reduction in the demand for tropical hardwoods and plastics used in the

industries. In addition, it will provide a useful alternative to the use of glass fibre as

reinforcement in bamboo composites that are prone to difficult waste disposal and severe

negative health effects [2].

Thus, this study tries to come out with benchmark information on Malaysian bamboo

which are comparing with the commonly use lining, FRP material as a heat protection

application. Hence, this study will becoming more challenging in terms of gathering

information, data collection, data analysis and interpretation in terms of the end application.

The actual result will only obtain after conducting a series number of mechanical testing of

the specimen as per recognize developed standard available as a main reference.

1.3 Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the mechanical behaviour and performance bamboo strip based composite due to elevated temperature.

1.4 Scope of study

The scopes of this study are;

• This study focused on bamboo strips, which can be produced by manual or machine

splitting of the bamboo culm.

• Selected bamboo (Bambusa heterostachya) will be undergoing sandwich-structured

process vacuum infusion method to become a composite.

• Investigation the mechanical behaviour of bamboo strip based composite by means of

Interlaminar shear strength and flexural short term creep test.

• Investigation the performance of bamboo strip based composite by means of

Interlaminar shear strength and flexural short term creep test comparing to GRP.