Advancing bamboo fiber reinforcement: A novel approach using eco-friendly plant ash alkali treatment

This study aimed to enhance the engineering performance of bamboo fibers for use in composite materials by employing a sustainable plant ash alkali treatment. The primary objective was to improve the tensile strength, crystallinity, and thermal stability of bamboo fibers, which are known for their high specific strength, low density, and biodegradability but suffer from poor compatibility with hydrophobic matrices. The study involved treating bamboo fibers with varying concentrations of plant ash solutions (5 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % by mass fraction) and comparing the results with those from conventional NaOH treatment (5 % and 10 %). The results showed that plant ash treatment at a 20 % concentration significantly improved tensile strength by 14.16 % compared to untreated fibers, increased the crystallinity index to 74.31 %, and enhanced thermal stability, retaining more residual mass at high temperatures than NaOH-treated fibers. These improvements are attributed to the reduction in fiber polarity and better preservation of fiber structure. The findings suggest that plant ash, as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to NaOH, can significantly enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of bamboo fibers, making them suitable for use in environmentally sustainable composite materials in construction, and other industries.