Guadua angustifolia bamboo fibers as reinforcement of polymeric matrices: An exploratory study

This paper describes an exploratory research intended to use Guadua angustifolia bamboo fibers as reinforcement of polymeric matrices. Two different techniques of compatibilization were employed: first, standard baths of sodium hydroxide as coupling agent were applied to fibers, and second, a novel plasma treatment was implemented for natural fibers. The influence of both compatibilization methods on tensile strength and surface appearance of fibers were evaluated. Results confirm that sodium hydroxide baths decrease the mechanical strength of fibers and clean its surface. In contrast, plasma treatments showed very encouraging results, without changes on mechanical strength and improving the fiber surface.