Physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of bamboo and its utilization potential for fiberboard manufacturing

This study investigated the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the bamboo species Phyllostachys pubescens and its utilization potential to manufacture medium density fiberboard (MDF). The result showed holocellulose and alpha-cellulose content increased from the base to the top portion. There was no significant variation in Klason lignin content or ash content from the base to the top portion of the bamboo. The outer layer had the highest holocellulose, alpha cellulose, and Klason lignin contents and the lowest extractive and ash contents. The epidermis had the highest extractive and ash contents and the lowest holocellulose and alpha-cellulose content. Specific gravity (SG) and bending properties of bamboo varied with age and vertical height location as well as horizontal layer. All mechanical properties increased from one year old to five year old bamboo. The outer layer had significantly higher SG and bending properties than the inner layer. The SG varied along the culm height. The top portions had consistently higher SG than the base. Bending strength had a strong positive correlation with SG. In order to industrially use bamboo strips efficiently, it is advisable to remove minimal surface material to produce high strength bamboo composites. Compression properties parallel to the longitudinal direction was significantly higher than perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As expected, at the same panel density level, the strength properties of the fiberboard increased with the increasing of resin content. Age had a significant effect on panel properties. Fiberboard made with one year old bamboo at 8% resin content level had the highest modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) among the bamboo panels, which was largely attributed to a higher compaction ratio as well as a higher percentage of larger fiber size. Fiberboard made with five year old bamboo at 8% resin level had the highest internal bond strength