CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background

In the last decades, the interest in using environmentally friendly materials has grown due to environmental and sustainability concerns. On the other hand, the depletion of petroleum resources and the volatility of oil price foster the research for renewable raw materials [1]. Due to the increasing cost of raw materials and the continuous reduction of natural resources, plastic waste and bamboo fibres can be used to produce composites for the construction industry [37]. Composites reinforced with glass, carbon or aramid fibres are employed in many market sectors. Substitution of these reinforcing agents by natural fibres is an interesting alternative for applications such as building, packaging, automotive components and consumer goods [1]. Bamboo is widely distributed, naturally found in all continents except Europe. Unevenly distributed throughout the tropical zone; also extend into the sub-tropical and even into the temperate zone. Tropical Asia is richest in species; in Africa there are very few. In Asia they extend into Japan and to 10,000 ft. or more on the Himalayas; and in the Andes of South America they reach the snow-line. In Malaysia bamboo grows wild by its jungles, in logging areas and also along river banks [38]. It is estimated there are 59 bamboo species in Peninsular Malaysia which are from seven genera of Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Dinochloa, Racemobamboos, Schizostachyum, Thyrsostachys and Gigantochloa [39] . Bamboos versatility and unique characteristics provide communities with options to diversify their economies and decrease their sensitivity to climate change. Bamboos are relatively easy to grow and can provide additional food, energy and income security to the rural poor, as well as a range of environmental services and uses in their growing and harvested forms. Bamboo products such as houses and charcoal, can contribute to the livelihood resilience of rural and urban dwellers [40].

Bamboo is probably the most versatile natural raw material used in the production of products. It is being used, or being tested for us, in almost every application where wood has historically been used, and this is from decorative and construction items to household utensils. A thriving food industry is also taking hold, as new manufacturing methodologies are being employed to broaden its applicable uses for ingestion. Bamboo textile and clothing use is also starting to ramp up its development, as some of the anti-microbial properties of bamboo are being realized for more technical applications and pursuits. The future of bamboo is as bright as its past. There is a literally not a day goes by, when we are not contacted by someone else interested in assessing the use of bamboo in their products. The beauty of the material, beyond its shear applicable uses is the fact that it can be processed, reprocessed, added with this, topped with that, with the net result of making something unique and desirable. The market will dictate what is viable and what is not, but as a raw material, there is not one with a much better future than bamboo [41]. Thereby, based on this study of the bamboo strips can be utilized for advance and engineered product development for different applications.

1.2 Problem Statement

The development of natural fiber reinforced composite-based products to substitute traditional engineering materials is becoming a trend in engineering application despite lacking information on the basic properties especially on Malaysian bamboos particularly in relation to their industrial applications is very limited due to limited research [2].

The development and application of bamboo based composites have wide application possibilities, high potential of developing new industries using local crops, wastes and labor, and significant reduction in the demand for tropical hardwoods and plastics used in the industries. In addition, it will provide a useful alternative to the use of glass fibre as reinforcement in bamboo composites that are prone to difficult waste disposal and severe negative health effects [2].

Thus, this study tries to come out with benchmark information on Malaysian bamboo which are comparing with the commonly use lining, FRP material as a heat protection application. Hence, this study will becoming more challenging in terms of gathering information, data collection, data analysis and interpretation in terms of the end application. The actual result will only obtain after conducting a series number of mechanical testing of the specimen as per recognize developed standard available as a main reference.

1.3 Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the mechanical behaviour and performance bamboo strip based composite due to elevated temperature.

1.4 Scope of study The scopes of this study are;

This study focused on bamboo strips, which can be produced by manual or machine splitting of the bamboo culm.

Selected bamboo (Bambusa heterostachya) will be undergoing sandwich-structured process vacuum infusion method to become a composite.

Investigation the mechanical behaviour of bamboo strip based composite by means of Interlaminar shear strength and flexural short term creep test.

Investigation the performance of bamboo strip based composite by means of Interlaminar shear strength and flexural short term creep test comparing to GRP.