Properties and applications of bamboo and bamboo fibre composites

Bamboo fibre is a cellulose fibre that is produced from a bamboo tree. The starch-rich fibre is produced from the part of the bamboo through the process of alkaline hydrolysis. The internal structure of bamboo fibre is filled with various pores, due to which the moisture absorption is slightly higher than normal, which make it effective to generate static electricity. Bamboo fibre does not have free electrons, due to which it is antistatic. Bamboo can grow naturally without the use of pesticides as it is not eaten by insects. A wonderful bacterium is found in bamboo, called bamboo kun. The products of bamboo fibre are eco – friendly and bio – degradable having anti-bacterial properties. Bamboo has a higherspecific tensile strength than the synthetic fibres. The main properties of bamboo are their light weightiness and high tensile strength.. The main chemical components are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Excess of lignin reduces the tensile strength of bamboo, hence currently work is being done to reduce the amount of lignin. The bamboo fibres can be used in many forms in the engineering products. The natural structure of bamboo and their excellent mechanical properties demonstrate the usefulness of bamboo fibres. Bamboo fibre is a natural orogenic product, it is used in the textile industry, paper industry,constructionindustry, automobileandsports goods in form of composite materials due to the excellent properties of bamboo. The development and use of natural fibre has become a centre of research. In this work discusses about internal and external structure of bamboo fibre, the factors that influence their mechanical properties and applications of the bamboo and bamboo fibres.