Effect of TiO2 filler on mechanical and tribological properties of Owen bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite

PurposeThis paper aims to report the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) particles on the physical, mechanical, tribological and water resistance properties of 5% NaOH-treated bamboo fiber-reinforced composites. Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the epoxy/bamboo/TiO2 hybrid composite filled with 0-8 Wt.% TiO2 particles has been fabricated using simple hand layup techniques, and testing of the developed composite was done in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard. FindingsThe results of this study indicate that the addition of TiO2 particles improved the mechanical properties of the developed epoxy/bamboo composites. Tensile properties were found to be maximum for 6 Wt.%, and impact strength was found to be maximum for 8 Wt.% TiO2 particles-filled composite. The highest flexural properties were found at a lower TiO2 fraction of 2 Wt.%. Adding TiO2 filler helped to reduce the water absorption rate. The studies related to the wear and friction behavior of the composite under dry and abrasive wear conditions reveal that TiO2 filler was beneficial in improving the wear performance of the composite. Originality/valueThis research paper attempts to include both TiO2 filler and bamboo fibers to develop a novel composite material. TiO2 micro and nanoparticles are promising filler materials; it helps to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of the epoxy composites and in literature, there is not much work reported, where TiO2 is used as a filler material with bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites.