Assessment of Properties of Semantan Bamboo Culm (Gigantochloa Scortechinii) at different Height Positions

Abstract

Bamboo is a fast-growing lignocellulosic material and is increasingly being used as an alternative material for producing renewable and consumer-friendly products. A study was conducted to determine the physical properties and drying behaviour of Semantan bamboo. The physical properties of Semantan bamboo varied from bottom to top. The average basic density ranged from 597 to 626 kg m-3 and volumetric shrinkage ranged from 13.5 to 15.8%. The solar-drying and air-drying times for the green bamboo culms to reach an average moisture content of approximately 12.76% to 12.98% were about 20 and 30 days, respectively.