Effect of Euphorbia Coagulum Content on Fire Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Polyester Bamboo Fiber Composite

This study describes the development of polyester resin/Euphorbia coagulum/bamboo fiber (PEB) composites with enhanced thermo-mechanical and fire retardant properties. The composites were fabricated by varying euphorbia coagulum content from 10 % to 40 % with 40 % bamboo fiber. Mechanical and fire retardant properties were studied for the fabricated composite. The best mechanical properties were obtained for 30 % replacement of polyester resin with euphorbia coagulum. Fire retardant property (limiting oxygen index) was increased from 18 % to 23 % with the increasing concentration of Euphorbia coagulum content from 10 % to 40 % in the polyester resin. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that the replacement of 40 % polyester resin with euphorbia coagulum enhanced the ash content of the composite which contributed to a higher fire retardant efficiency. The use of euphorbia coagulum as a binder and bamboo fiber as reinforcement material makes it possible to produce an environmentally friendly composite material that can be utilized for the building panels, surfboards, boat hulls, and sporting goods.