Optimization of bamboo fiber reinforced polymers for sustainable mechanical applications: A comparative analysis of bioplastics and traditional materials

This study evaluates bamboo fiber reinforced polymers (BFRPs) as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic composites. BFRPs combining bamboo fibers with polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) matrices were characterized for mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties. Chemical treatments including alkali and acetylation enhanced fiber-matrix bonding by 15–30%. BFRPs achieved tensile strengths of ranging from 180 MPa (untreated) to 862 MPa (silane-treated) and flexural modulus up to 7.0 GPa. Life cycle assessment demonstrated 30–40% carbon footprint reduction and 25% lower embodied energy compared to glass fiber composites. Optimization using Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis improved mechanical properties by 15% for tensile strength and 9% for flexural modulus. BFRPs exhibited superior wear resistance with 20–35% lower wear rates and complete biodegradability within 24 weeks. Results demonstrate that optimized BFRPs offer competitive mechanical performance with significant environmental benefits, positioning them as viable sustainable materials for automotive, construction, and packaging industries.