Abstract
Bacterial Cellulose is one of the eco-friendly materials, and is synthesized by the acetic bacterium Acetobacter xylinum. In this paper, the mechanical behavior of Bacterial Cellulose (BC) composites is investigated. The BC composite specimens are prepared under the test method of JIS K7113. The matrix of composites is BC and their reinforcements are powdered paper (PP), CaCO_3, and clay of 35%, 60% and 70% by weight. Tension tests were performed in the atmospheric condition. From the experimental results for BC composites, the recorded σ-ε curve for the PP/BC composite specimen indicates significant non-linear behavior from the earlier stage of loading, and the mechanical behavior of the PP/BC specimen is similar to that of the CaCO_3/BC and/or Clay/BC specimens. The effects of material properties and configurations on the mechanical properties of BC composites were discussed, and the method of molding was evaluated.
