Effect of Aging on Flexural Behavior of Disposed Glass Fiber Reinforced Bamboo Mat–Polyester Composites

In this research paper, influence of glass fiber additions on the flexural behavior of bamboo mat-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites is evaluated. Composite panel with disposed glass-chopped fiber mat is sandwiched between layers of bamboo fiber mat and composite panels prepared. Polyester resin is used as matrix, whereas bamboo mat acts as primary reinforcement and to add strength to composite panel disposed chopped fiber glass is used as a filler material. Flexural tests are conducted in accordance with ASTM D-790. To address the dilemma of hygrothermal aging and deterioration of properties, the bamboo fiber is combined with disposed/discarded waste glass fiber to form a composite sandwich and the flexural strength of the composite is experimentally evaluated. It is observed experimentally that with increase in glass-chopped fiber content, there is increment in flexural strength. In order to assess the damage done by moisture, water aging studies are performed on the composites. It is observed that bamboo–polyester composites with 30% glass fiber content have 11% decrease in flexural strength after one month of water aging, whereas flexural strength of bamboo–polyester composites without glass fiber deteriorated by 33%.