Axial tensile properties and flexibility characteristics of elementary units from multidimensional bamboo-based composites: radial and tangential moso bamboo slivers

Abstract Bamboo sliver (BS) is a potential elementary unit for multidimensional bamboo-based composites (MBBCs). Axial tensile and flexibility characteristics of thin radial (R) and tangential (T) BSs (BS R and BS T with a thickness of 0.5–2.0 mm) have been studied. Axial tensile strength (AxTS) and modulus of elasticity (AxMOE) were positively correlated with the vascular tissue ratio (VTR), and the tensile properties of slices with 43–51% VTR increased more rapidly than in the VTR range of 20–36%. In axial tensile tests, cracks propagated along a V or Z route in BS R , while fibers were pulled out in the central section in case of BS T . AxTS and AxMOE values increased with decreasing moisture content (MC) at 6.2–16.6% below 75°C. Flexural flexibility (FF) was enhanced with increasing MC and VTR, and the effect of MC on FF was amplified with MCs below the fiber saturation point (FSP). In situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation during flexural tests revealed a deformation resistance of vascular tissue (VT) and the deformation disposition of parenchyma.