Improved mechanical properties of the graphene oxide modified bamboo‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites

Abstract Improving the interfacial compatibility of plant fibers and polymer matrices still is an ongoing challenge in the application of natural fiber/polymer composites. In this study, the graphene oxide (GO) was grafted onto alkali‐treated bamboo fiber (ABF) surfaces, and then a GO‐ABF/polypropylene (PP) composite was prepared using a mini‐injection molding technique. The chemical properties of the GO‐ABF surface, as well as the mechanical properties of the GO‐ABF/PP composite, were studied systematically. The results showed that the GO sheets were successfully grafted on the surface of ABF, and the hydrogen bond interaction occurred between the GO and the ABF. Compared with the untreated bamboo fiber (UBF)/PP composite, the tensile strength and flexural strength of the 0.1GO‐ABF/PP composite were increased by 12.6% and 23.7%, respectively, due to the enhancement of the interfacial binding force between GO‐ABF and the PP matrix. These results indicate that GO possesses great potential for improving the mechanical properties of GO‐ABF/PP composite. It can provide a reference basis for the feasibility of using GO in the natural fiber/polymer composites.