Work

Mechanical and Adhesive Properties of Hydrothermally Treated Bamboo Composites Reinforced with Phenolic Resin: Effect of Impregnation with Silica Nanoparticles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ). The hydrothermal pre-treatment was found to enhance cellulose crystallinity, as confirmed through XRD analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and nanoindentation tests revealed that the hybrid treatment significantly influences the viscoelastic response. Composites treated only with hot water and resin (GB-W) exhibited superior short-term creep resistance and higher elasticity, attributed to their optimized crystalline structure. In contrast, the silica-reinforced composites (GB-M) demonstrated the most viscous behavior and lowest stress relaxation, making them most effective at minimizing elastic springback. Nanoindentation further showed that GB-W had the highest nano-adherence at the fiber cell wall level. FTIR analysis indicated a stronger interaction between the phenolic resin and the hydroxyl groups of the bamboo matrix in GB-0 and GB-W compared to GB-M, where the silica layer potentially altered this interface. Microscopy confirmed a resin penetration depth of at least 1 mm, primarily into porous tissues. The results demonstrate that while silica reinforcement enhances relaxation properties, the hydrothermal pre-treatment combined with phenolic resin creates a more favorable interface, leading to better overall creep resistance and adherence.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17222989

Authors: Lionnel Frederique Bidzanga Bessala, Yanjun Li

Institution: Zhejiang A & F University

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funders: Chinese Academy of Forestry, Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province