The field of natural fibre composites has witnessed significant advancements, leading to the replacement of synthetic fibres in various commercial sectors.
One category of natural fibre that has shown immense promise is bamboo. Bamboo species possess exceptional mechanical properties due to the high content of lignocellulosic fibres they contain.
This characteristic makes them suitable for a wide range of engineering applications and potential alternatives to solid wood. However, despite bamboo being composed of over 130 genera and 1700 different species, many of them have remained relatively unexplored.
A recent study sought to fill this gap by investigating the lignocellulosic profiling, fibre strength, and mechanical characterization of two species of Pseudoxytenanthera Bamboo: Pseudoxytenanthera Ritchie and Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii.
To provide a basis for comparison, the results obtained were also compared with those of Bambusa balcooa, a priority bamboo species identified by The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)
Various techniques were employed to evaluate the samples. BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) analysis was used to quantify the samples’ density while scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized for elemental analysis. In addition, the samples underwent tensile testing, as well as thermogravimetric analysis and water absorption tests.
The results of the study revealed that the Pseudoxytenanthera species possessed superior chemical and mechanical characteristics compared to Bambusa balcooa, the priority bamboo species. Among the Pseudoxytenanthera species studied, Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii exhibited the highest values of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, ash, carbon, and silicon, indicating its chemical superiority.
Furthermore, Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii also displayed higher mechanical values for tensile strength, demonstrating its suitability for a variety of engineering applications. The thermogravimetric analysis further indicated that Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii exhibited greater stability at high temperatures compared to other natural fibres.
The findings of this study shed light on the untapped potential of different bamboo species, particularly Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii, in the development of eco-friendly composites and construction materials.
By promoting the utilization of these bamboo species, sustainable practices can be encouraged in various industrial sectors.
The research emphasized the importance of exploring and harnessing the unique properties of bamboo species, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
