Bamboo fiber at macro-, micro- and nanoscale for application as reinforcement

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of bamboo macro-, micro- and nanofibers as reinforcement in organic and inorganic matrices. Macrofibers were obtained from bamboo culms, microfibers were produced by organosolv pulping, and nanofibrillated cellulose was obtained by a grinding process. The results showed that after pulping of macrofibers, the crystallinity index increased by 16% and the amount of lignin, hemicellulose and extractives decreased by 42, 33 and 84% respectively. Furthermore, after nanofibrillation the crystallinity index of the pulp decreased by 6·7%; the thermal stability also decreased. After pulping, the thickness of the bamboo fibers was reduced by a factor of 13, while after nanofibrillation the thickness was reduced by a factor of 1222. According to the results of the mechanical characterization of the bamboo fibers carried out on macro-, micro- and nanofibers, bamboo can be used as a reinforcement in organic and inorganic matrices.