Mechanical properties of bamboo fiber-reinforced polymer composites: a review of recent case studies

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are desirable structural materials due to their biodegradability. Moreover, natural fiber sources are abundant and the production of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites is moderately energy-consuming, leaving almost no carbon footprint behind. Among natural fibers, bamboo has attracted much interest as a promising reinforcement for different polymer matrices because of its favorable mechanical properties. Herein, a brief review of the different types of natural fibers, i.e., plant (especially bamboo fiber), animal, and mineral fibers, is provided, followed by an in-depth review of the case studies in the last decade that have focused on the mechanical properties of bamboo fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Among polymer matrices discussed are thermoplastics such as poly(lactic acid) and polypropylene and thermosetting resins such as polyester, epoxy, and phenolic. Finally, special attention is given to the surface modification of bamboo fibers, which has repeatedly been demonstrated to improve the mechanical properties of the composite.