Chemical and tensile properties of unsaturated polyester and polyacrylonitrile semi-interpenetrating polymer network coated bamboo fibers

The semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) of unsaturated polyester (USP) with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in proportions of 50/50 and 70/30 USP/PAN by weight has been coated on the surface of alkali-treated and untreated bamboo fibers (Bambusa balcooa). The tensile load at break and chemical resistance of bamboo fibers before and after coating with IPNs has been studied. It is observed that the tensile load at break and chemical resistance of bamboo fibers increased on coating, indicating that USP/PAN and bamboo fibers are favorable materials for making composites.