Evaluation of Physical Properties of Some Selected Bambusa Species of Manipur

Abstract

Background: Bambusa is one of the three largest genera of bamboo found in India. Physical properties have direct influence on mechanical properties of bamboo. This study was conducted to investigate the physical properties viz. moisture content, specific gravity, water absorption and dimensional shrinkage of some selected Bambusa species of Manipur in order to find their suitability for various end uses. Methods: The culms were harvested at 30 cm above ground level. Each culm was divided into bottom, middle and top positions. Moisture content, specific gravity and dimensional shrinkage percentage were determined using Indian Standard Method IS 6874 (2008) while ASTM D 1034-72 method was used for water absorption test. Result: Moisture content and water absorption decreased with the increase in culm height whereas specific gravity increased from bottom towards the top portion in all selected eight Bambusa species. Dimensional shrinkage percentages exhibited an irregular pattern. Radial and tangential shrinkages were higher than longitudinal shrinkage. Analysis of variance of the physical properties among the Bambusa species exhibited significant variations at all height positions. B. kingiana is the most desirable among the selected Bambusa species due to comparatively higher specific gravity and low moisture content, water absorption capacity, dimensional shrinkage and T/R ratio