Chemical componts of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys Heterocycla VAR. Pubscense) culm at different ages and heights

Abstract

Bamboo is an effective alternative material to alleviate the burden on wood supplies. Chemical components distributed in the gradient structure of bamboo culm are likely to be the determining factors in selecting the optimal application of bamboo. Bamboo culm exhibits a complicated chemical composition of in holocellulose, lignin, pentosan and extractives in the longitudinal direction of its culm cultivated for varying periods of time. In this study, the chemical constituents of moso bamboo were analyzed statistically at different heights cultivated for a minimum of 6 months to as long as 9 years. No significant impact on chemical components was found in the longitudinal direction of the bamboo culm. However, bamboo culm age should be taken into consideration in the trends of holocellulose, pentosan, lignin and extractives located in the inner, middle and outer layers. The moso bamboo cultivated from 3 to 5 years was optimal for industrial application. The yield percentage and difference between layers, in particular, are fundamentals for evaluating and improving the properties for bamboo products.