Effect of alkali and peroxide treatments of bamboo fibers on bamboo/E-Glass hybrid composites

The hydrophilic nature of natural fibers limits their compatibility with polymer matrices in composite applications. This study examines chemical surface treatments to improve the performance of bamboo/E-glass fiber hybrid composites. Bamboo fibers were manually extracted from culms and treated with alkali and peroxide solutions to alter their surfaces. Hybrid composites were made using the hand lay-up method with different bamboo/E-glass fiber ratios and tested according to ASTM standards. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze chemical and structural changes. Physico-mechanical tests measured tensile, flexural, and impact strengths, and water absorption was assessed. The best tensile (250 MPa) and flexural (294.84 MPa) strengths were achieved with the 5% alkali-treated 10/30 bamboo/E-glass composite. The highest impact strength (30.8 kJ/m²) was found in the 10% peroxide-treated 10/30 composite. Chemically treated composites showed reduced moisture absorption, confirming improved fiber-matrix bonding. Overall, alkali and peroxide surface treatments greatly improved the mechanical and physical properties of the hybrid composites, making bamboo fibers more suitable for advanced composite applications. • Surface treated bamboo fibers improved interfacial bonding and composite properties. • Best tensile (250 MPa) and flexural (294.8 MPa) achieved at 5% alkali in 10/30 hybrid. • Moisture absorption tests showed lower uptake with treated bamboo fibers.