Multifunctional bamboo-based fiber composites fabricated by assembling 3D network structures of bamboo and spatial distribution of silver nanoparticles

Abstract

Bamboo-based composites have been commonly used in engineering applications as a renewable carbon recycling material. Despite its prevalent use, bamboo possesses inherent drawbacks, including flammability, moisture absorption, and susceptibility to microbial corrosion, significantly diminishing the service life of the composites as outdoor materials. Hence, a straightforward synthesis strategy was used to prepare multifunctional bamboo-based fiber composites (BFCs). This involved constructing a three-dimensional (3D) network interface within the bamboo via the combination of mechanical and chemical pretreatments, including alkali treatment, in-situ reduction, impregnation, lamination, and hot pressing. The obtained dense structure, together with the successful incorporation of functional AgNPs, enables the composites to exhibit outstanding mechanical properties (328 MPa cm³ g⁻¹ of tensile specific strength). Moreover, the bamboo-based composite shows good flame retardancy (self-extinguishing within 5 s after ignition), improved thermal conductivity (0.258 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹), a self-cleaning ability, and commendable antibacterial activity against two common pathogenic bacterial (E. coli and S. aureus). This versatile bamboo-based fiber composite material holds promise for diverse outdoor applications, including roofs, wall panels, outdoor flooring, etc.