Analysis of Calcutta bamboo for structural composite materials: surface characteristics

The aim of this work was to assess the technical feasibility of producing a structural composite from Calcutta bamboo. The approach was to compare selected chemical, physical and mechanical properties of bamboo to timber species that are commonly used in the manufacture of structural composites. This paper addresses pH, buffer capacity, wetting and surface tension. Consideration was given to the variability of these properties with respect to location along the length of the bamboo culm, nodes versus internodes, and radial versus tangential surfaces. Of course, other factors, such as mechanical properties, will also influence performance in composite materials. However, those issues, as well as the evaluation of a prototype composite, will be addressed in a companion article. Calcutta bamboo was found to have similar surface characteristics to commercial timber species used in North America.