Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad.) from Moist Forest and Derived Savanna Locations in South West Nigeria – Properties and Gluability

Abstract

Bamboo culms of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. were collected from two locations in moist forests and two sites in derived Savanna zones in South West Nigeria. The study involved chemical analyses, density variability, bonding tests, gluability tests, and measurements of bending strength of the bamboo in addition to durability testing with decay fungi and treatability of glued boards with a copper-based wood preservative. Chemical analyses showed a uniform composition of the bamboo with a cellulose content of 45 to 47.5% and a lignin content of 23 to 25.6% as the predominant chemical constituents. An average wood density of 700 kg/m(3) was a prerequisite for high mechanical strength. The moduli of elasticity were high and exceeded 14 kN/mm(2) for bamboo boards and 13 kN/mm(2) for finger joints. Bamboo boards from all growth sites showed high moduli of rupture in the range of 150 to 166 N/mm(2) and 72.9 to 94.7 N/mm(2) for boards and finger joints, respectively. Bamboo from the four sites showed variable mass loss with the EN-113 (1996) test method, which classifies this biomass as a moderately to non-durable plant material. White rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) caused the highest mass losses (11.2 to 16.8%). The bamboo showed good treatability using a 500-kg/m(3) solution of a copper-based preservative.