Development of structural composite products made from bamboo I: Fundamental properties of bamboo zephyr board

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the suitability of zephyr strand from moso bamboo (Pyllostachys pubescens Mazel) for structural composite board manufacture. Thirty-two 1.8 x 40 x 40 cm bamboo zephyr boards (BZB) were produced using four diameters of zephyr strand (9.5, 4.7, 2.8, and 1.5 mm) and four target densities (0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 g/cm3). Results indicate that BZB exhibits superior strength properties compared to the commercial products. The size of the zephyr strand and the level of target density had a significant effect on the moduli of elasticity and rupture, internal bond strength, water absorption, and thickness swelling, but they did not have a significant effect on linear expansion. With regard to the physical properties, BZB exhibited less thickness swelling and exhibited good dimensional stability under dry-wet conditioning cycles.