Reinforcing Effect of Nanoclay in Bamboo-Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Composites

In this research described here, thermoset polymers modified with nanoclay have been used to produce bamboo-reinforced hybrid composites. The thermoset polymers used were epoxy and polyester resins: 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% clay (w.r.t to matrix weight) were added in the matrix to prepare hybrid composites with bamboo mat. Mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties were compared with non-hybrid composites. It was found that there were different optimal conditions of sample preparation for epoxy and polyester based composites. Addition of clay enhances the elastic modulus of the hybrid composites. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of hybrids showed that the addition of clay increases the thermal stability.