Bamboo Composites

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of bamboo laminas of the species Dendrocalamus giganteus to three-layer medium density particleboard (MDP). These laminas were glued onto both the top and the bottom of each panel. With the manufactured panels laminated with bamboo, mechanical tests based on the Brazilian Standard ABNT NBR 14810 were carried out to determine the modulus of rupture (MOR) in static bending and the tensile strength parallel-to-surface. These mechanical tests were realized in particleboards of eucalyptus and in reinforced particleboard, both produced in the laboratory. The modulus of rupture and tensile strength parallel-to-surface of the laminated MDP had values close to those that have been reported. The reinforcements increased the values of these studied properties. Nevertheless, this fact indicated the possibility to produce a stronger MDP using bamboo lamina as surface layers. These results show the possibility of using coated-b...

The performance of bamboo as reinforcement in concrete structures can be successful if safety limit conditions are considered. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of bamboo strips application as a flexure and shear reinforcement in concrete beams. Culms from Dendrocalamus giganteus were split and employed as reinforcement using rectangular sections of 20 mm width × natural length of the bamboo. Experimental analysis of six simply supported bamboo-reinforced concrete beams subjected to two point loads was carried out up to collapse. The ultimate test loads for the different beams were compared to the loads predicted according to ACI 318 (steel reinforced concrete beams regulation). Finally, a recommendation based on the analysis of the results for the design of such beams is proposed. Biographical notes: Gisleiva C.S. Ferreira is a Professor at the State University of Campinas – UNICAMP – Brazil. Her researches are in the areas of materials science and environment whose research lines are: mechanical, environmental and economic performance of materials and processes applied to construction with the use of solids wastes; microstructure characterisation of conventional cementitious matrices and solid waste; inspection and monitoring of buildings in service of cultural and historical interest with non-destructive techniques; and evaluation of construction materials mechanical performance used in buildings and in service of historical and cultural interest. Antonio L. Beraldo is a PhD Professor at the State University of Campinas – UNICAMP – Brazil. His researches are in the areas of materials science and environment whose research lines are: mechanical, environmental and processes applied to construction with the use of solids wastes; and microstructure characterisation of conventional cementitious matrices and solid waste.

Due to the high dimensional variation of bamboo, the manufacturing of materials such as plywood and laminated bamboo produces a high amount of residues. The production of particleboards could be used to overcome this problem and become a viable solution to reuse the generated waste as a raw material to high value-added products. This study aimed to present an overview of the bamboo particleboard production, as well as the mechanical and physical properties of this material, followed by a review of the advances in its research and development. In general, independently of the resin or bamboo species utilization, several bamboo particleboards meet the mechanical properties requirements of international standards for wood-based medium-density particleboards. The main focus of this study is to provide a review, in order to support research groups interested in using new bamboo-based materials for the development of manufactured durable products.

Increasing population, industrialization, and economic growth cause several adverse impacts on the existing environment and living being. Therefore, rising pollutants load and their mitigation strategies, as well as achieving energy requirements while reducing reliance on fossil fuels are the key areas, which needs significant consideration for sustainable environment. Since India has considerable biomass resources, bioenergy is a significant part of the country's energy policy. However, the selection of feedstock is a crucial step in bioenergy production that could produce raw material without compromising food reserve along with the sustainable environment. Higher growth capacity of bamboo species makes them a suitable lignocellulosic substrate for the production of high-value greener products such as fuels, chemicals, and biomaterials as well as an appropriate candidate for eco-restoration of degraded land. In that context, the current review discusses the multidimensional applications of bamboo species in India. The bioenergy potency of bamboo and probability of aligning its production, cultivation, and operation with economic and social development agendas are also addressed, making it an exceptional crop in India. Additionally, its fast growth, perennial root systems, and capability to restore degraded land make it an essential part of ecological restoration. Furthermore, this review explores additional benefits of bamboo plantation on the environment, economy, and society along with future research prospects.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of bamboo laminas of the species Dendrocalamus giganteus to three-layer medium density particleboard (MDP). These laminas were glued onto both the top and the bottom of each panel. With the manufactured panels laminated with bamboo, mechanical tests based on the Brazilian Standard ABNT NBR 14810 were carried out to determine the modulus of rupture (MOR) in static bending and the tensile strength parallel-to-surface. These mechanical tests were realized in particleboards of eucalyptus and in reinforced particleboard, both produced in the laboratory. The modulus of rupture and tensile strength parallel-to-surface of the laminated MDP had values close to those that have been reported. The reinforcements increased the values of these studied properties. Nevertheless, this fact indicated the possibility to produce a stronger MDP using bamboo lamina as surface layers. These results show the possibility of using coated-bamboo MDP for utilization in large spans, for example, in flooring for mezzanines with finish on both sides, and for robust furniture as bookshelves, beds, tables, etc.

The furniture production with native species of bamboo has been thought within the Research Group LIGNO as an alternative to promote the development of poor rural communities in accordance with the Brazilian Federal Law 12484/2011. In this sense, the main objective of this research was to apply the technology of bamboo laminae utilization for the development of Higher Added Value Products (HAVP). Two different models of furniture were built, which were evaluated through three aspects: ergonomics, aesthetics, and stability. The utilization of glued laminated bamboo as the result of an engineering project is a little explored option, but it
presented positive results, because this material allows curved shapes, aesthetically attractive and ergonomic solutions, as well as it provides adequate resistance to the proposed utilization.

Proposed is a method to investigate degradation of lignocelluloses by pure cultures of basidiomycetes using preserving jars with vermiculite as reservoir for water and nutrients. Bamboo samples of Gigantochloa atroviolacea and Phyllostachys pubescens and wood samples of Fagus sylvatica and Pinus sylvestris were inoculated with the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana and the white-rot fungus Schizophyllum commune. The fungi were cultured on vermiculite containing different amounts of tap water or malt extract solution. Mass loss of the bamboos after 32 weeks was low and did not show a remarkable influence of moisture content and nutrient addition. However, considerable degradation of Pinus sylvestris sapwood occurred by C. puteana whereby moisture and nutrients influenced aggressiveness.

The correlations of microphotograph structure properties were made via a matured cultivated three-year-old tropical bamboos namely Gigantochloalevis and G. scotechinii. Bamboos were elected and harvested from the plantation plots located at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia in Kepong, Selangor. The studies focused on the vascular bundles and fibres the resided at the internodes and nodes positioned in seven, eight and nine at the outer, middle and inner cross-section of the bamboo culms. Data was collected according to the sizes of the vascular bundle's length, vascular bundles width, fibre length, diameter, lumens diameter, walls thickness and fiber Runkle's ratio between each of the bamboo species. The two bamboo species manifested similar in characteristics but having different sizes in anatomy and microstructure features. The results in the fibre's morphology studies showed that the textures for each species possess different anatomy characteristics and properties in having different lengths, diameters, cell walls thickness and lumen sizes. The size of the vascular bundle is smaller at the outer position and become more prominent at the central locations.

Improvements of mechano-chemical properties of bamboo by a bio-chemical formulation (BF-N/14) have
been studied. Among the three bamboo species Bambusa balcooa shows higher stem density (0.9 g/cm3)
with high cellulose (44.52%) and lignin (23.43%) content. The initial cellulose content (44.5%) was
reduced to 40.2% after 12 month, kept under open environmental condition. BF-N/14 treatment prevents
significantly the degradation of cellulose and pentosan and recorded only 2.51% and 2.30% degradation
after 12 month. Also, it enhances the density by 15–18%. The tensile strength (173.10 N/mm2) and modulus
of rupture (MOR) (370.31 N/mm2) have also been recorded higher after treatment. Scanning electron
microscope (SEM) of BF-N/14 treated bamboo reveals the penetration and accumulation of ingredients
inside the cells. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study shows higher crystallinity in treated bamboo than
untreated one, which is also supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) study. The performance
of BF-N/14 treatment has been found better to that of commercially available CCB (copperchrome-
boron) in terms of density, tensile strength and MOR significantly.

Para el diseño de estructuras que utilizan como material estructural principal el bambú Guadua angustifolia, es necesario conocer los valores característicos de sus propiedades mecánicas y módulos elásticos. En este artículo se presenta la metodología experimental utilizada para la determinación de los valores característicos de resistencia mecánica a flexión longitudinal, compresión, corte y tracción paralela a la fibra, torsión, y comprensión perpendicular a la fibra y módulos elásticos de la Guadua angustifolia. Se realizaron ensayos en probetas tomadas de la parte inferior, media y superior de culmos de guaduas provenientes de tres departamentos diferentes de Colombia. Se encontraron los valores característicos de la resistencia a compresión, tensión y corte paralelos a la fibra, flexión longitudinal, torsión y compresión perpendicular así como valores de módulo de elasticidad longitudinal y circunferencial.

We propose the combination of the traditional construction material bamboo with a novel epoxy-resin joint. The joint forms a bending resisting connection that eliminates the need for diagonal members. This allows its utilization along rectangular grids as was tested with the design of a prototype structure that occupies a voxelized space. The design process used an agent-based simulation to mediate between design intent, site, and structural considerations. The prototype was constructed through the robotic milling of the components and forms a successful application of the joints and design methodology.

In this study, the machining characteristics of eight exotic bamboo species extracted from Daboase, Kusi near Kade and Amantia in southern Ghana were assessed. The bamboo species include Dendrocalamus latiflorus, Bambusa bambos, Guadua angustifolia, Guadua chacoensis, Dendrocalamus brandisii, Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata, Bambusa vulgaris (from plantation) and Bambusa vulgaris (from natural forest). These were cross-cut into the butt and top portions. All the samples for the six o o planing operations were planed at 20 and 30 cutting angles and at 6, 9 and14 m/min feed speeds. These were evaluated and graded in accordance with ASTM D 1666-87. The results indicate that the ease of ripping was better with the top samples than the butt and ripped surfaces were generally smooth. Ripping of Bambusa vulgaris from the natural was relatively difficult than the other samples. The surface planing quality was better with the butt samples from the three localities than the top portion. Bambusa vulgaris from the natural forest recorded the highest percentage surface quality for each planing condition There o o were no statistically significant differences between 20 and 30 cutting angles (P≥0.05) Data on ripping and planing of the selected bamboo species that have been generated can form the basis for more comprehensive research on the machining properties of bamboo species in Ghana. .