Study on the mechanical properties, tensile elongation, and thermal conductivity of nano biocomposites composed of bamboo fiber mat, nano silica-reinforced epoxy, and palm oil

Newly developed natural fiber mats have been utilized as reinforcing materials in a wide variety of reinforced plastic applications. This study was designed to develop and characterize biocomposites that were composed of bamboo fiber mat, nano silica as reinforcing and palm oil blended epoxy resin respectively. Thirteen distinct composite compositions (S1 to S13) were developed, each with a varied number of bamboo fiber mat layers (0, 2, 3, and 4) and varying weight percentages (wt%) of nano silica (0, 3, 5, and 7 wt%). In order to ascertain the mechanical strength of the material, tensile, tensile elongation, flexural, impact and hardness tests were implemented. Normal water was employed to conduct the water absorption test. Thermal conductivity was additionally used to analyze the thermal characteristics of the biocomposites. The SEM examination revealed the microstructure, as well as the distribution of reinforcing mechanisms and epoxy/palm oil within the biocomposite matrix. Sample S8 (3 layer bamboo fiber mat & 5 wt% nano silica) demonstrated the highest mechanical and thermal conductivity among the thirteen samples when contrasted with the other twelve samples. This study’s results contribute to the development of sustainable and functional biocomposites for a diverse array of applications in engineering, including the production of food packaging boxes and lightweight and burden applications in the domestic sector, such as door panels, FRP hand railings, and car roofs.