Journal of Materials Science, Vol.33, No.8, 2147-2152, 1998
Reformed bamboo glass fabric aluminium composite as an ecomaterial
A super-hybrid (natural composite/fibre-reinforced composite/metal hybridization) ecomaterial, reformed bamboo/glass fabric/aluminium (RB/GF/Al) was developed. The addition of a sparse glass fabric/epoxy resin layer between reformed bamboo and aluminium proved to be effective in increasing the compressive, tensile strength of the composite material. In particular, the interfacial shear strength between the reformed bamboo and aluminium was improved, and was the transverse tensile strength. These were the major shortcomings of normal bamboo and reformed bamboo/aluminium composites. The good recyclability of reformed bamboo and aluminium make RB/GF/Al an environmentally friendly material. Extensive use of such an ecomaterial instead of wood would save natural forest resources.