Influence of drying methods on tensile strength of polyester composites reinforced apus bamboo

In this research, the tensile strength of polyester composites reinforced with apus bamboo fiber (Gigantochloa apus/GA) was characterized. The bamboo fiber used does not contain lignin. The lignin removal process is greatly influenced by the chemical processing system and drying method. In this paper, the influence of three drying method systems (air drying, oven dring and freeze drying) on the physical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced polyester is studied comparatively. The matrix used is polyester resin BTQN 157. The volume fractions GA fiber are 15%; 20%; 25%; 30%. Specimens for tensile testing using the ASTM D638-03 Type I. The results of study drying method for GA fiber influences the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of polyester composite material reinforced with GA fiber. The air drying method provides the greatest increase in tensile strength and Modulus of Elasticity and the freeze drying method is around 180% - 200%. Freeze drying method provides increased tensile strength and the lowest modulus of elasticity is around 4.5 - 5.0%.