Bamboo-geopolymer composite: A preliminary study

Abstract

Bamboo-reinforced geopolymer composites are intended to be used as sustainable construction materials. A composite was made with potassium-metakaolin geopolymer and reinforced with randomly oriented bamboo fibers from the Amazon region. Bamboo was used in the composition for its potential and viability, as well as very distinguished fast growing characteristics. Four-point flexural strength testing of the geopolymer composite reinforced with bamboo fibers was carried out according to ASTM standard C1341-13. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the microstructure of the composite materials. X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the formation of geopolymer. Samples of potassium-metakaolin-based geopolymer composites reinforced with bamboo fibers behaved as a potential material for sustainable construction. © 2017 by The American Ceramic Society.