Effect of Chemically Treated Bamboo Fiber Reinforcement on the Dielectric Properties of Epoxy Composites

In the present investigation, the bamboo fiber incorporated epoxy-based composites were manufactured with chemically treated and raw bamboo cellulose fibers. The electric modulus, dielectric constant, alternating, and direct current conductivity investigations were performed to justify the dielectric properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy laminates. The electric modulus and dielectric properties of the epoxy composites were measured from traditional impedance analyzer equipment. The dielectric behaviors were characterized by frequency function (0.01 Hz to 1 MHz) for the range of temperatures between 30 and 150 °C. The conductivity, volume resistivity, dissipation parameter, and dielectric constants of ERRBT epoxy composites were higher than that of ERSBT, and ERSABT epoxy composites. The activation energy, volume resistivity, and dissipation parameter reduced with the increment in frequency under all the range of temperatures. The combined salt and alkaline treatment decreases the water absorption capacity in bamboo cellulose fibers and hence enhances the dielectric and thermal insulation characteristics of the epoxy laminates. Also, the investigation of the adhesion of cellulose fiber in the polymer matrix with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed higher compatibility of bamboo cellulose fibers with the epoxy matrix.