Bamboo cellulose: Structure, properties, and applications

Bamboo cellulose can be found in different forms such as nanocrystal, microcrystal, hydrogel, etc. It is emerging as an alternative to synthetic polymer and some wood species. Since bamboo plants are abundant in nature, have a high growth rate, and have no need for intensive care like cotton or other fiber providing plants, the raw material of bamboo cellulose is easy to get and not costly. This chapter intends to overview the extraction process of bamboo cellulose, its physical and chemical structure, properties, and applications. Bamboo cellulose can be obtained from the culm and leaf of bamboo. The Π± -cellulose, holocellulose, and lignin content are compared with other lignocellulosic fibers. Bamboo cellulose is widely used as a template material for reinforcement, pharmaceutical industry, packaging industry, etc. The products prepared from bamboo cellulose are labeled as antimicrobial, UV protective, eco-friendly. Overall, bamboo fiber has great potential in the present world as an alternative to synthetic polymer in different sectors.