Chapter 3: Methodology
3.1 Introduction
This chapter outlines the methodology employed in this study to investigate the
effects of bamboo fibre reinforced polymer composite on the mechanical properties
and durability of polymer composite. The methodology includes the materials and
equipment used, the fabrication of BFRP composites, and the testing procedures
employed to evaluate the mechanical properties and durability of the composites.
3.2 Materials
3.2.1 Bamboo Fibres
- Technical specification: Bamboo fibres with a diameter of 0.5-1.5 mm and a length
of 300-500 mm.
- Quantity: 500 grams.
- Source: Sourced from a local bamboo supplier in Ogbomosho, Nigeria.
- Method of preparation: Cleaned and dried in an oven at 80°C for 24 hours.
- Fibre properties: Density (0.8-1.2 g/cm³), tensile strength (150-250 MPa),
Young's modulus (10-20 GPa).
3.2.2 Polymer Matrix
- Technical specification: Thermosetting resin with a density of 1.2 g/cm³.
- Quantity: 1000 grams.
- Source: Sourced from a chemical supplier in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Method of preparation: Mixed with a hardener in a ratio of 10:1.
- Resin properties: Tensile strength (50-70 MPa), Young's modulus (2-3 GPa),
elongation at break (5-10%).
3.2.3 Hardener
- Technical specification: Polyamine-based hardener with a density of 1.0 g/cm³ and
a viscosity of 1000 mPa·s.
- Quantity: 100 grams.
- Source: Sourced from a chemical supplier in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Method of preparation: Mixed with the polymer matrix in a ratio of 10:1.
3.3 Fabrication of BFRP Composites
3.3.1 Preparation of Bamboo Fibres
- Cut to a length of 300 mm.
- Cleaned and dried in an oven at 80°C for 24 hours.
3.3.2 Fabrication of BFRP Composites
- Bamboo fibres mixed with polymer matrix in varying fibre contents (10%, 20%,
30%).
- Applied to a mould and pressed
- Cured in an oven at 80°C for 2 hours.
3.4 Testing Procedures
3.4.1 Mechanical Testing
[Link] Tensile Strength Test
1. Cut the composite samples to the required dimensions (150 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm).
2. Mark the gauge length (50 mm) on the sample.
3. Attach the sample to the grips of the universal testing machine (UTM).
4. Apply a tensile load to the sample at a rate of 5 mm/min.
5. Record the load-displacement curve and calculate the tensile strength.
[Link] Flexural Strength Test
1. Cut the composite samples to the required dimensions (150 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm).
2. Place the sample on the three-point bending test machine.
3. Apply a flexural load to the sample at a rate of 5 mm/min.
4. Record the load-displacement curve and calculate the flexural strength.
[Link] Impact Strength Test
1. Cut the composite samples to the required dimensions (60 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm).
2. Place the sample on the Charpy impact tester.
3. Strike the sample with a pendulum at a velocity of 3.5 m/s.
4. Record the energy absorbed by the sample and calculate the impact strength.
3.4.2 Durability Testing
[Link] Moisture Absorption Test
1. Cut the composite samples to the required dimensions (50 mm x 50 mm x 5 mm).
2. Weigh the sample and record the initial weight.
3. Immerse the sample in distilled water at room temperature (25°C) for 24 hours.
4. Remove the sample from the water and weigh it again.
5. Calculate the weight gain and moisture absorption.
[Link] Temperature Resistance Test
1. Cut the composite samples to the required dimensions (50 mm x 50 mm x 5 mm).
2. Place the sample in a thermal chamber at a temperature of 100°C for 2 hours.
3. Remove the sample from the chamber and weigh it.
4. Calculate the weight loss and dimensional changes.
[Link] UV Resistance Test
1. Cut the composite samples to the required dimensions (50 mm x 50 mm x 5 mm).
2. Place the sample in a UV chamber with UV-A radiation (365 nm) for 24 hours.
3. Evaluate the colour change and surface degradation of the sample.