Experimental Investigation of the Impact Strength of Sunflower Oil-Treated Ethiopian Highland Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites

Different treatments of fiber can enhance mechanical properties of its laminates. Hence, this study investigated the impact strength of oil-treated Ethiopian highland bamboo fiber/polyester-laminated composites before and after water absorption using an experimental approach. The composite was manufactured using hand lay-up techniques with a volume ratio of 35% bamboo fiber to 65% polyester matrix. During the experimental test, three different fiber orientations ([0]7, [0/ ±45/0]S, and [(0/90)3/0]) were used. According to this study findings, oil-treated bamboo fiber-reinforced polymers with [0/ ±45/0]S fiber orientation absorb 16.9 J more impact energy than other fiber orientations. The impact energy absorbed by oil-treated fiber laminate [0/ ±45/0]S before water absorption was increased by 28.9% compared to laminates of untreated fiber. However, after water absorption, a laminate significantly loses its impact strength. In general, oil treatment of fibers enhances the impact strength of a laminate.