Chemical contents and thermal stability of Madu bamboo (Gigantochloa albociliata) for natural-bonded fiber composites

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical contents and thermal stability of young (3 years old or less) and matured (more than 5 years old) Madu Bamboo (Gigantochloa albociliata). The comprehensive knowledge of these properties will help to promote the uses of this bamboo’s fiber for natural-bonded composite products. The different age levels of bamboo can be an indicator in evaluating the significant difference of the chemical contents and thermal stability of bamboo. The chemical contents were determined in accordance to the standard outline in Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) test method, while thermal stability was conducted in accordance to Shimadzu TGA 50 analyzer. The culm exhibited different chemical contents between young and old age, in which, young bamboo showed higher hot water extractives and ash contents compared to mature bamboo. On the other hand, matured bamboo contained higher alcohol-toluene extractives, holocellulose, a-cellulose and lignin than young ones. Hence, more resin and possible wood gum in matured bamboo that is beneficially in natural bonded composite product. The thermal analysis of extracted bamboo fiber indicated the thermal degradation behavior of both young and matured bamboo with the same species. The maximum temperature degradation of both young and matured bamboos was 413°C and 404°C. Therefore, matured bamboo was degraded at lower temperature compared to young bamboo, which indicates lower thermal stabilities. The result of this study reported that young bamboo of G. albociliata species is acceptable to be harvested at young ages for reinforcement in natural bonded composite board, according to their thermal stabilities and chemical contents.