Development of sustainable bamboo fiber/epoxy composites via multifunctional thermoplastic additives

Bamboo fiber (BF), with its advantages such as abundance, low density, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness, is a promising reinforcement material in high-performance composites. However, the hydrophilicity of BFs and their incompatibility with resin matrices hinder their practical applications. Here, we introduce thermoplastic particles into the resin matrix to improve the interfacial compatibility between the BFs and the resin matrix. The resin matrix forms a bi-continuous phase, effectively improving the interfacial bonding properties between the resin matrix and BF and reducing the composite's porosity. Final BF composites present remarkable improvements in mechanical properties, thermal properties, and humidity resistance by synergistic effects between designed resin and BFs. Therefore, BF composites, along with the developed system and eco-friendly processes, will be applied in various ways in our lives.