Properties and Importance of Various Bamboo Species for Multi-Utility Applications

Abstract

Bamboo, with the potential to grow on wasteland, has emerged as the most appropriate alternative to wood. Low weight to height ratio, high growth rate, tensile strength comparable to materials like steel, and ability to grow on wasteland as well make it a most sought-after material. Bamboo fascinates people by its vivid color and fine particle structure. Easy availability, rapid growing speed, and ability to sustain in wastelands make it most desirable material for building and construction industry. The usage of bamboo varies from household products, handicrafts, and laminated panels to pulp and papermaking industries. Bamboo is available in 90 genera with about 1200 species. The major constituents of bamboo culms are cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin (about 90% of the total mass) with resins, tannins, and waxes as the minor amount. Trace amount of inorganic salt is also found in it. Mechanical properties and durability of these species depend on their chemical composition. This chapter presents the information regarding the economic and ecological importance of bamboo species. This chapter tries to assimilate the knowledge about the constituents of various bamboo species available across the globe. In addition to this, factors that affect the quality of bamboo culms in service life are also discussed. Biotic factors include the resistance of culms to various microorganisms and insects attacking the culms alone or in succession. Non-biotic factors like rain, moisture, and weathering are also described here. Knowledge about basic features and properties of these species is required to formulate the strategies for specific uses of these species making it a more valuable product. Livelihood opportunities in the field of bamboo products from Indian perspective are explored. Challenges to wider application of bamboo along with future potential are also discussed here.