Bamboo structural composites for marine applications

Marco Corradi, Tatiana Isidori, Fabio Soleri, Luca Olivari, J. Kenny

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Bamboo laminates are made from bamboo strips (slivers) milled out from the bamboo wall core. The use of natural bamboo fibre in composites is on the rise. In the present study, the overall mechanical characteristics of bamboo fibres reinforced composites and sandwich for general marine applications were analysed. An accurate analysis of processing possibilities and statements has been conducted, evaluating the relationship between composites performances and processing characteristics. The effectiveness of vacuum bagging and compression moulding processes were analysed. Accurate chemical – physical and mechanical characterizations of bamboo based reinforced resins (epoxy) were conducted, analyzing also the variation of these properties during the materials ageing. Accelerate ageing tests were conducted on bamboo composites and sandwich specimens, obtaining the relationship between materials characteristics and ageing time. Finally, absorption tests (in distillate and sea water) were performed to simulate the effective environment in which bamboo based composites have to be applied, denoting that bamboo composites exhibit excellent resistance to the marine environment and their applications could make good inroads in the marine sector worldwide. As application, a spinnaker pole have been realised and tested under axial compression load.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2007
EventSAMPE Europe 28th International Conference and Forums - Paris, France
Duration: 1 Apr 2007 → …

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE Europe 28th International Conference and Forums
Period1/04/07 → …

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