Water effects on the deformation and fracture behaviors of the multi-scaled cellular fibrous bamboo.

Abstract

The mechanical behaviors during the whole fracture process of bamboo were investigated by acoustic emission (AE). During the fracture process there were three kinds of fracture behaviors recognized by AE: matrix (parenchyma cells) failure, interfacial (fiber/fiber or fiber/parenchyma cell walls) dissociations and fiber breakage. The mechanical performance was greatly influenced by water contents (0%, 6% and 22%). Wet bamboos had higher fracture energy than the dry ones. There was more interfacial dissociation behaviors detected as more water was absorbed within the multi-scaled structures. The micro structural toughening mechanisms were strengthened by the macromolecular complexes and water molecules, which are working together and ensuring the excellent mechanical properties of the natural bamboo.