Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance

Stephen Idowu Durowaye; Olamide Sholanke; Oluwafemi Olatunde Ayanlakin; Ayomide Maryesa; Udoka Onwuachumba; Maria Pius; Israel Bankole

doi:10.70081/duted.1936850

Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance

Abstract

Agricultural waste accumulation and reliance on non-biodegradable composites present serious environmental challenges. This study investigates epoxy biocomposites reinforced with bamboo particles, focusing on the role of particle size and filler content on performance. Composites were fabricated via a controlled stir-casting method using varied particle sizes and weight fractions. Microstructural analysis revealed fairly uniform particle distribution with minimal voids, indicating good bonding between filler and matrix. Physical results showed increased density, from 1.11 g/cm³ for neat epoxy to 1.21 g/cm³ at 15 wt. % fine particles. Water absorption decreased to about 0.17 % at moderate filler levels, suggesting improved structural compactness. Mechanical properties were composition-dependent, with optimal performance at 12 wt. % fine particles, achieving 24.35 HV hardness and 64.88 MPa compressive strength due to effective stress transfer. However, impact resistance declined slightly with higher filler loading and larger particles, indicating increased brittleness. Overall, tailoring particle size and concentration significantly enhances composite performance, demonstrating the potential of bamboo-reinforced epoxy as a sustainable, lightweight engineering material.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research received no external funding.

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies are appropriately cited.

Thanks

The authors do not wish to acknowledge any individual or institution.

References

Abdelmagid, A. A. A., Idriss, A. I. B., & Yang, C. M. (2024). Effects of particle size on mechanical properties and forming accuracy of Prosopis chilensis powder/polyethersulfone composites produced via selective laser sintering. Polymers, 16(13), Article 1786. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131786
Abdul-Karim, M. R., Tahir, D., Khan, K. I., Hussain, A., Haq, E. U., & Malik, M. S. (2023). Improved mechanical and water absorption properties of epoxy-bamboo long natural fibres composites by eco-friendly Na₂CO₃ treatment. Plastics, Rubber and Composites: Macromolecular Engineering, 52(2), 114–127. https://doi.org/10.1080/14658011.2022.2030152
Aigbodion, V. S., Agunsoye, J. O., Kalu, V., Asuke, F., & Ola, S. (2010). Microstructure and mechanical properties of ceramic composites. Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 9(6), 527–538. https://doi.org/10.4236/jmmce.2010.96037
Alsuwait, R. B., Souiyah, M., Momohjimoh, I., Ganiyu, S. A., & Bakare, A. O. (2023). Recent development in the processing, properties, and applications of epoxy-based natural fiber polymer biocomposites. Polymers, 15(1), Article 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010145
ASTM International. (2020). Standard test method for density and specific gravity (relative density) of plastics by displacement (ASTM D792-20). https://doi.org/10.1520/D0792-20
ASTM International. (2022). Standard test method for water absorption of plastics (ASTM D570-22). https://doi.org/10.1520/D0570-22
ASTM International. (2023a). Standard test methods for determining the Izod pendulum impact resistance of plastics (ASTM D256-23). https://doi.org/10.1520/D0256-23
ASTM International. (2023b). Standard test method for Rockwell hardness of plastics and electrical insulating materials (ASTM D785-23). https://doi.org/10.1520/D0785-23

ASTM International. (2026). Standard test method for compressive properties of rigid plastics (ASTM D695-26). https://doi.org/10.1520/D0695-26
Balaji, A., Karthikeyan, B., & Swaminathan, J. (2019). Comparative mechanical, thermal, and morphological study of untreated and NaOH-treated bagasse fiber-reinforced cardanol green composites. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, 2, 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-019-00079-7
Barman, P., Dutta, P. P., Bardalai, M., & Dutta, P. P. (2024). Experimental investigation on bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy polymer composite materials developed through two different techniques. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 238(6), 2185–2204. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544062231195474
Bhat, A. R., Kumar, R., & Mural, P. K. S. (2023). Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comprehensive review of tribo-mechanical properties. Tribology International, 189, Article 108978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108978
Cai, Y., Liu, Z., Gong, K., & Zhang, Y. (2023). The effect of reinforcement particle size on the mechanical and fracture properties of glass matrix composites. Heliyon, 9(11), Article e21895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21895
Jawaid, M., Senthilkumar, K., Chandrasekar, M., Fouad, H., Hashem, M., Ismail, A. S., Khiari, R., & Singh, B. (2024). Investigating the effect of varied short bamboo fiber content on the thermal, impact, and flexural properties of green epoxy composites. Journal of Natural Fibers, 21(1), Article 2296915. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2023.2296915
Kuciel, S., Rusin-Żurek, K., & Kurańska, M. (2024). The influence of filler particle size on the strength properties and mechanical energy dissipation capacity of biopoly(ethylene terephthalate) BioPET/eggshell biocomposites. Recycling, 9(5), Article 88. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling9050088
Kunnath, K., Chen, L., Zheng, K., & Davé, R. N. (2021). Assessing predictability of packing porosity and bulk density enhancements after dry coating of pharmaceutical powders. Powder Technology, 377, 709–722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2020.09.037
Liu, Y., Yu, Z., Li, R., Wang, X., & Qiao, Y. (2026). Multifunctional bamboo fiber/epoxy composites featuring integrated superhydrophobicity and enhanced mechanical-thermal performance. Nanomaterials, 16(1), Article 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16010008
Mat-Shayuti, M. S., Abdullah, M. Z., & Megat-Yusoff, P. S. M. (2013). Water absorption properties and morphology of polypropylene/polycarbonate/polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride blends. Asian Journal of Scientific Research, 6(2), 167–176. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajsr.2013.167.176
Mohammed, K., Zulkifli, R., Tahir, M. F. M., & Gaaz, T. S. (2024). A study of mechanical properties and performance of bamboo fiber/polymer composites. Results in Engineering, 23, Article 102396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102396
Nezafatkhah, S., Margoto, O. H., Sassani, F., & Milani, A. S. (2025). Understanding natural and accelerated weathering degradation mechanisms of glass and natural fiber composites: A review. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 45(7–8), 1741-1763. https://doi.org/10.1177/07316844251337240
Olabisi, A. I., Adam, A. N., & Okechukwu, O. M. (2016). Development and assessment of composite brake pad using pulverized cocoa beans shells filler. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 5(2), 66–78. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20160502.16
Oliveira, M., Neves, V., & Banea, M. D. (2024). Mechanical and thermal characterization of bamboo and interlaminar hybrid bamboo/synthetic fibre-reinforced epoxy composites. Materials, 17(8), Article 1777. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081777
Pickering, K. L., Efendy, M. G. A., & Le, T. M. A. (2016). A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 83, 98–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.08.038
Rachtanapun, P., Sawangrat, C., Kanthiya, T., Kaewpai, K., Thipchai, P., Tanadchangsaeng, N., Worajittiphon, P., Suhr, J., Wattanachai, P., & Jantanasakulwong, K. (2024). Comparison of effects of plasma surface modifications of bamboo and hemp fibers on mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Polymers, 16(23), Article 3394. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233394
Saba, N., Alothman, O. Y., Almutairi, Z., & Jawaid, M. (2019). Magnesium hydroxide reinforced kenaf fibers/epoxy hybrid composites: Mechanical and thermomechanical properties. Construction and Building Materials, 201, 138–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.12.182
Sahu, P., & Gupta, M. K. (2022). Water absorption behavior of cellulosic fibres polymer composites: A review on its effects and remedies. Journal of Industrial Textiles, 51(5), 7480–7512. https://doi.org/10.1177/1528083720974424
Sienkiewicz, N., Dominic, M., & Parameswaranpillai, J. (2022). Natural fillers as potential modifying agents for epoxy composition: A review. Polymers, 14(2), Article 265. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14020265
Srinag, T., Kumar, R. S., Srinivas, C. H. L., Singh, B., Prasanthi, P. P., Madhav, V. V. V., Bandhu, D., Saxena, A., & Abdullaev, S. S. (2024). Flexural and impact response of bamboo and pineapple leaf fiber reinforced composites using experimental and numerical techniques. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing, 18, 3383–3395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-023-01564-6
Subramaniyan, S. P., Imam, M. A., & Prabhakar, P. (2021). Fiber packing and morphology driven moisture diffusion mechanics in reinforced composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 226, Article 109259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109259
Xu, D., He, S., Leng, W., Chen, Y., & Wu, Z. (2023). Replacing plastic with bamboo: A review of the properties and green applications of bamboo fiber reinforced polymer composites. Polymers, 15(21), Article 4276. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214276
Yadav, R., Singh, M., Shekhawat, D., Lee, S. Y., & Park, S. J. (2023). The role of fillers to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and wear characteristics of polymer composite materials: A review. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 175, Article 107775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107775
Yogesh, Kumar, D., Punia, A., Ranakoti, L., Sharma, S., Arunachalam, K. P., Abbas, M., & Ramaswamy, K. (2026). Epoxy-based biocomposites reinforced with alkali-treated coir fibers and bamboo fillers for lightweight applications: Unravelling of physicomechanical, chemical, structural, and microstructural characteristics. Polymers and Polymer Composites, 34. https://doi.org/10.1177/09673911261424293
Zou, B., Huang, K., & Ma, J. (2025). Toughened bamboo-fiber-modified epoxy resin: A novel polymer coating for superior interfacial compatibility. Coatings, 15(2), Article 181. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15020181

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Biomaterial

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Stephen Idowu Durowaye ^*
0000-0003-4787-5675
Nigeria

Olamide Sholanke
0009-0008-2241-178X
Nigeria

Oluwafemi Olatunde Ayanlakin
0009-0009-1680-4859
Nigeria

Ayomide Maryesa
0009-0004-2390-1386
Nigeria

Udoka Onwuachumba
0009-0006-9228-1672
Nigeria

Maria Pius
0009-0001-2091-258X
Nigeria

Israel Bankole
0009-0000-2551-0021
Nigeria

Publication Date

June 29, 2026

Submission Date

April 23, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 13, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 4 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70081/duted.1936850

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA74XT25EY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Durowaye, S. I., Sholanke, O., Ayanlakin, O. O., Maryesa, A., Onwuachumba, U., Pius, M., & Bankole, I. (2026). Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences, 4(1), 29-42. https://doi.org/10.70081/duted.1936850

AMA

1.Durowaye SI, Sholanke O, Ayanlakin OO, et al. Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences. 2026;4(1):29-42. doi:10.70081/duted.1936850

Chicago

Durowaye, Stephen Idowu, Olamide Sholanke, Oluwafemi Olatunde Ayanlakin, et al. 2026. “Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance”. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences 4 (1): 29-42. https://doi.org/10.70081/duted.1936850.

EndNote

Durowaye SI, Sholanke O, Ayanlakin OO, Maryesa A, Onwuachumba U, Pius M, Bankole I (June 1, 2026) Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences 4 1 29–42.

IEEE

[1]S. I. Durowaye et al., “Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance”, Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 29–42, June 2026, doi: 10.70081/duted.1936850.

ISNAD

Durowaye, Stephen Idowu - Sholanke, Olamide - Ayanlakin, Oluwafemi Olatunde - Maryesa, Ayomide - Onwuachumba, Udoka - Pius, Maria - Bankole, Israel. “Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance”. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences 4/1 (June 1, 2026): 29-42. https://doi.org/10.70081/duted.1936850.

JAMA

1.Durowaye SI, Sholanke O, Ayanlakin OO, Maryesa A, Onwuachumba U, Pius M, Bankole I. Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences. 2026;4:29–42.

MLA

Durowaye, Stephen Idowu, et al. “Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance”. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences, vol. 4, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 29-42, doi:10.70081/duted.1936850.

Vancouver

1.Stephen Idowu Durowaye, Olamide Sholanke, Oluwafemi Olatunde Ayanlakin, Ayomide Maryesa, Udoka Onwuachumba, Maria Pius, Israel Bankole. Bamboo Particle-Epoxy Biocomposites: Influence of Particle Size and Filler Loading on Mechanical and Physical Performance. Düzce University Journal of Technical Sciences. 2026 Jun. 1;4(1):29-42. doi:10.70081/duted.1936850