Search Results (24)

To address the limitation of insufficient mechanical strength and short service life in biodegradable bamboo fiber mulch film (BFM) replacing plastic film in agriculture, this study applied a biochemical method to make bamboo fiber and used bacterial cellulose (BC) as a natural nanoscale reinforcing agent to fabricate high-performance bacterial cellulose bamboo fiber mulch film (BC-BFM). The physical and mechanical properties, chemical structure, seed germination and degradation behavior performance of BC-BFM were characterized. Results demonstrated the structural compactness and homogeneity of the BC-BFM were improved markedly with the increase in BC addition and BC formed a 3D nanofibrillar network that effectively bridged inter-fiber voids. The tensile, burst and tear indexes of BC-BFM all significantly rose with BC addition. Notably, compared to plastic film and BFM, BC-BFM exhibited a good effect on mung bean seed germination and the best growth speed was at 5% BC addition. Furthermore, the degradation test showed that the degradation rate of BC-BFM within 90 d was three times less than that of BFM and service life was similar to plastic film. This showed that it was a promising method to prepare biodegradable high-quality BFM through biochemical preparation of bamboo fiber and BC nanocellulose reinforcement. This method markedly enhanced the mechanical performance and durability of BC-BFM, providing a feasible technical path for the development of biodegradable high-performance green agricultural covering materials with long service life. Full article

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum is a valuable medicinal plant whose dryland cultivation typically yields 30–35% lower flavonoid concentration than forest understory systems due to soil and microbial deficiencies. We investigated whether biochar amendment could bridge this quality gap through rhizosphere microecological regulation. Using a split-plot pot experiment with in situ soils from a bamboo forest and a vegetable field, we applied biochar at 2%. Biochar in bamboo forest (MBBC) achieved the highest flavonoid concentrations, exceeding unamended forest and vegetable controls by 22% and 35%, respectively. Biochar effects were habitat-specific. In acidic forest soils (pH 4.95), it raised the pH to 5.61, while in vegetable fields, it boosted leucine aminopeptidase by 159%. Partial least squares path modeling revealed biochar exerted its effects indirectly (indirect effect = 0.88), with soil extracellular enzymes mediating between soil conditions and plant biosynthetic enzymes (PAL, CHS, CHI). Fungal composition was positively associated with biosynthesis (β = 1.68, p < 0.01), particularly Mortierellomycetes, whereas bacterial diversity unexpectedly exhibited a significant negative correlation with it (β = −0.79, p < 0.05). Biochar disrupted Eurotiomycetes dominance in forest soils (from 85% to 39%), creating functionally diverse niches that were associated with enhanced flavonoid accumulation. These findings demonstrate biochar functions as an ecological niche regulator, providing a sustainable strategy for high-quality medicinal plant production in non-native habitats. Full article

This study evaluates bamboo–coir hybrid composite panels developed for formwork applications using an 80:20 fiber–matrix ratio and a 50:50 bamboo-to-coir distribution. The novelty of this study lies in the combined assessment of formwork-relevant mechanical performance, Mode I and Mode II fracture behavior, finite element validation and post-fracture microstructural correlation for a high fiber volume fraction natural fiber hybrid panel. Mechanical, durability, fracture, numerical and microstructural investigations were performed and benchmarked against 10 mm thick construction-grade plywood. The hybrid panels exhibited a density of 805 ± 10.84 kg/m³, which is within 0.7% of plywood, a tensile strength of 50.20 ± 2.85 MPa, representing an increase of 41.8% over plywood, and a flexural strength of 38.60 ± 2.10 MPa, corresponding to an increase of 12.9% as compared to plywood. The impact energy absorption of hybrid panels was 7.85 ± 0.62 J, which is 26.6% greater than plywood. Mode I fracture testing yielded a fracture toughness of 456.65 ± 15.42 J/m², corresponding to an increase of 9.3% over plywood, while Mode II fracture toughness yielded a value of 792.42 ± 30.18 J/m², representing an increase of 13.7% over plywood. Finite element predictions deviated from experimental load–displacement responses by 5–13%. SEM observations identified fiber bridging, fiber pullout and interfacial sliding in the hybrid panels, consistent with the measured fracture energy values. The results indicate that bamboo–coir hybrid panels satisfy the mechanical and fracture performance requirements for reusable formwork systems. Full article

This study investigates the Mode II fracture behavior of bamboo–coir–rubber (BCR) hybrid composite panels developed as sustainable alternatives for wood-based panels used in structural applications. The composites were fabricated using alternating bamboo and coir layers within a polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic matrix, with styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) incorporated as an additive at 0–30 wt.% to enhance interlaminar toughness. Commercial structural plywood was tested as the benchmark. Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (G_IIc) was evaluated using the ASTM D7905 End-Notched Flexure (ENF) test, supported by optical monitoring to study crack monitoring and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for microstructural interpretation. Results demonstrated a steady increase in G_IIc from 1.26 kJ/m² for unmodified laminates to a maximum of 1.98 kJ/m² at 30% SBR, representing a 60% improvement over the baseline and nearly double the toughness of plywood (0.7–0.9 kJ/m²). The optimum performance was obtained at 20–25 wt.% SBR, where the laminated retained approximately 85–90% of their initial flexural modulus while exhibiting enhanced energy absorption. Increasing the initial notch ratio (a₀/L) from 0.2 to 0.4 caused a reduction of 20% in G_IIc and a twofold rise in compliance, highlighting the geometric sensitivity of shear fracture to the remaining ligament. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the increase in G_IIc for the 20–25% SBR laminates relative to plywood and the unmodified composite is significant at p < 0.05. SEM observations revealed rubber-particle cavitation, matrix shear yielding, and coir–fiber bridging as the dominant toughening mechanisms responsible for the transition from abrupt to stable delamination. The measured toughness levels (1.5–2.0 kJ/m²) position the BCR panels within the functional range required for reusable formwork, interior partitions, and transport flooring. The combination of renewable bamboo and coir with a thermoplastic PP matrix and rubber modification hence offers a formaldehyde-free alternative to conventional plywood for shear-dominated applications. Full article

The search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic composites has become increasingly relevant in aerospace engineering education and student rocketry. Fiberglass is widely used for rocket fuselages due to its favorable balance of performance and cost, but it is energy-intensive, non-biodegradable, and environmentally burdensome. This study provides the first demonstration of natural fiber composites applied to student rocket fuselages, evaluating bamboo and jute as sustainable alternatives to fiberglass. Fiberglass, bamboo, and jute laminates were fabricated following the procedures of the RocketWolf team at CEFET/RJ. The fuselages were characterized by parachute ejection tests, surface roughness analysis, and flight simulations using OpenRocket software. Additional data such as laminate mass, wall thickness, fiber–resin ratio, and cost analysis were incorporated to provide a comprehensive assessment. Results revealed contrasting behaviors: untreated bamboo composites showed poor resin impregnation, brittle behavior, and lack of structural stability, confirming their unsuitability without chemical treatment. Jute composites, in contrast, achieved adequate impregnation, cylindrical geometry, and superior surface roughness (Ra = 37 µm) compared to fiberglass with paint (62 µm) or envelopes (52 µm). Both fiberglass and jute fuselages successfully passed parachute ejection tests, while simulations indicated apogees close to 1 km, fulfilling competition requirements. The jute fuselage also presented slightly improved stability margins. Economically, jute was ~492% cheaper than fiberglass in fiber-only comparison but absorbed more resin; nevertheless, real purchase prices favored jute. These findings confirm that jute composites are a technically feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable substitute for fiberglass in student rocket fuselages. Beyond technical validation, this work demonstrates the educational and environmental benefits of integrating natural fibers into academic rocketry, bridging sustainability, performance, and innovation. Full article

Bamboo, a fast-growing and biodegradable industrial crop, exhibits excellent mechanical properties, which facilitate its widespread use in construction, furniture, and decorative applications. However, its inherently limited permeability hinders processing during drying, chemical modification, dyeing, and impregnation. Although previous studies have explored structural and treatment-related aspects, few have offered a comprehensive and integrative overview that bridges anatomical structure, permeation mechanisms, performance evaluation, and treatment strategies. This review synthesizes 126 publications from 1997 to 2024 to provide a comprehensive, multidimensional analysis of bamboo permeability. Structure–function relationships are examined by assessing how vessels, sieve tubes, perforation plates, pits, and bamboo nodes influence permeability, with an emphasis on quantitative correlations. Capillarity, diffusion, and viscous resistance are integrated into a unified theoretical framework, proposing a model that couples longitudinal capillary rise with transverse diffusion. Detection approaches, including both direct techniques (weight gain, microscopy, tracer elements, fluorescence imaging) and indirect techniques (porosity measurement, Micro-CT), with their respective advantages, limitations, and applications. Enhancement strategies are categorized into chemical, physical, and biological methods, with assessments of their effectiveness, environmental impact, and energy consumption. Overall, this review provides a holistic perspective on bamboo permeability and offers valuable guidance for future research and engineering applications. Full article

To overcome brittle failure in conventional cold-formed steel–concrete (CFS-C) corner columns, this paper used fiber-reinforced concrete to replace ordinary concrete, investigating failure mechanisms and performance through systematic numerical simulations. A finite element model (FEM) was established and validated by experiments, and the errors for ultimate capacity were within 10%. A series of numerical models was established for parametric analyses focusing on the effects of the parameters of polypropylene fiber (PF), carbon fiber (CF), steel fiber (SF), and bamboo fiber (BF) with different volume dosages and the thickness of cold-formed steel (CFS) on the axial compression ultimate capacity and corresponding displacement of CFS composite corner columns. The results indicated that (1) PF effectiveness was dependent on steel thickness: thicker steel suppressed micro-defects, activated the toughening potential of PF, and increased the ultimate capacity of the columns by 24.8%. (2) CF had a critical dosage of 0.4%: at this dosage, CF increased the column’s ultimate capacity by 14.1% through stress redistribution, while when the dosage exceeded this value, fiber agglomeration caused a reduction in the column’s strength, with a maximum decrease of 16.2%. (3) SF effectiveness showed a linear increase: at a dosage of 1.6%, SF formed a synergistic three-dimensional bridging network and generated a confinement effect, increasing the column’s ultimate capacity by 36.5% and displacement by 92.2%. (4) BF mainly improved the ductility of columns: through crack bridging and pull-out energy dissipation, BF increased column displacement by 33.2%. (5) The modified Eurocode 4 formula could reduce the calculation error of ultimate capacity from 6.3% to within 1%. The findings guide optimal fiber selection and dosage in practice, promoting such columns’ use in seismic and load-bearing structures. Full article

Underground winter bamboo shoots, prized for their high nutritional value and economic significance, face harvesting challenges owing to inefficient manual methods and the lack of specialized detection technologies. This review systematically evaluates current detection approaches, including manual harvesting, microwave detection, resistivity methods, and biomimetic techniques. While manual methods remain dominant, they suffer from labor shortages, low efficiency, and high damage rates. Microwave-based technologies demonstrate high accuracy and good depths but are hindered by high costs and soil moisture interference. Resistivity methods show feasibility in controlled environments but struggle with field complexity and low resolution. Biomimetic approaches, though innovative, face limitations in odor sensitivity and real-time data processing. Key challenges include heterogeneous soil conditions, performance loss, and a lack of standardized protocols. To address these, an integrated intelligent framework is proposed: (1) three-dimensional modeling via multi-sensor fusion for subsurface mapping; (2) artificial intelligence (AI)-driven harvesting robots with adaptive excavation arms and obstacle avoidance; (3) standardized cultivation systems to optimize soil conditions; (4) convolution neural network–transformer hybrid models for visual-aided radar image analysis; and (5) aeroponic AI systems for controlled growth monitoring. These advancements aim to enhance detection accuracy, reduce labor dependency, and increase yields. Future research should prioritize edge-computing solutions, cost-effective sensor networks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations to bridge technical and practical gaps. The integration of intelligent technologies is poised to transform traditional bamboo forestry into automated, sustainable “smart forest farms”, addressing global supply demands while preserving ecological integrity. Full article

Recently, natural material-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have increasingly attracted attention in academic circles. In this work, we have developed an innovative triboelectric nanogenerator (BL-TENG) utilizing bamboo leaves to capture biomechanical energy. Bamboo leaf, as a natural plant material, possesses a diverse array of applications due to its remarkable durability, which surpasses that of many other types of trees. Furthermore, bamboo leaf has the advantages of low cost, widely distributed, non-toxic and environmentally protected. The output power of the BL-TENG (size: 5 cm × 5 cm) is able to generate approximately 409.6 µW and the internal resistance of the BL-TENG is 40 MΩ. Furthermore, the BL-TENG can realize an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 191 V and a short-circuit current (Isc) of 5 µA, respectively. The biomechanical energy harvesting effect of the BL-TENG device means that it can drive 18 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) through the full-wave bridge rectifier. Furthermore, the BL-TENG can also serve as a self-powered touch sensor to reflect hand touch states. This study proposed a novel plant-based TENG device that can enhance the development of green TENG devices and self-powered sensing systems. Full article

The Philippines faces a significant shortage of affordable housing, and with the growing urgency brought by climate change, there is a pressing need for more sustainable and affordable building solutions. One promising option is cement bamboo frame buildings, which blend traditional bamboo building methods with modern materials. This approach is already being implemented in social housing projects in the Philippines. Dynamic lifecycle assessment (DLCA) calculations show that these bamboo buildings can effectively reduce overall CO₂ emissions. Before a building’s end of life, biogenic effects offset approximately 43% of its total production emissions, while the temporary carbon storage afforded by these biogenic materials further reduces total emissions by 14%. In comparison to concrete brick buildings, bamboo constructions reduce emissions by 70%. Transforming an unmanaged bamboo plantation into a managed plantation can potentially triple the capacity for long-term CO₂ storage in biogenic materials and further reduce net emissions by replacing concrete with bamboo as the main construction material. Thus, bamboo construction offers a potent, economically viable carbon offsetting strategy for social housing projects. Full article

Heavy metal pollution in soil is a major global issue, and one effective method for addressing it is phytoremediation through bamboo planting. Nevertheless, there is a notable gap in our knowledge as no studies have explored the characteristics of soil organic matter (SOM) and the bacterial communities in bamboo forests during the remediation process. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted research to investigate the impact of different bamboo planting patterns on the SOM characteristics and microbial communities in soils contaminated with heavy metals. The contents of SOM and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils differed significantly between monocropping and intercropping systems, with DOM accounting for only 1.7%–2.5% of SOM. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that the contents of SOM polysaccharides C-O, carbonate C-O, aliphatic methyl, and methylene increased, while the aromatic C=C abundance decreased in the intercropping rhizosphere soil. The differences between bamboo cultivation patterns in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were elucidated using the biomarkers, including MND1 and Nitrospira (non-rhizosphere), and Sphingomonas (rhizosphere). Heavy metals, DOM, SOM, and refined organic functional groups, especially C-O in polysaccharides and symmetric carboxylate, were the determining factors of soil bacterial communities. Compared to monocropping, intercropping increased the accumulation of Zn and Cd in bamboo shoots by 35% and 40%, respectively, and hence, intercropping soil, with a low toxicity, was suitable for bamboo shoot sprouting. Intercropping can alter the characteristics of SOM and bacterial communities and plays a vital role in phytoremediation and shoot growth in bamboo forests. Future studies on soil carbon dynamics and nutrient status during heavy metal remediation will improve our knowledge of soil transformation and its impact on soil ecosystem health and productivity. Full article

Bamboo is a natural biodegradable material used as a strength-bearing material that operates for system works, formwork supporting stands, structural members in low-rise houses, props, framing, bridges, laminated flooring, facades, walls, roofs, and trusses. Over recent years, there has been an increased demand for bamboo, considering sustainable construction practices. Exploring bamboo’s physical and mechanical behaviour is essential to develop innovative construction methods and design guidelines. Therefore, this paper aims to review the studies on bamboo culms’ material properties and physical behaviour, considering the load-bearing capacity and structural adequacy. This study summarises the physical and mechanical properties of a wide array of bamboo species grown worldwide. Mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, flexural, shear, and bucking strengths are explored, highlighting the key findings in previous experimental works. Results have indicated a significant variability in bamboo’s material and mechanical properties considering the growth conditions, location along a culm, geometric imperfections and environmental conditions. In addition to material and mechanical properties, structural bamboo connections, engineered bamboo products, and preservative treatment of bamboo are also investigated. The construction industry can utilise the summary of the findings of this study to develop design guidelines for sustainable bamboo construction. Overall, this paper presents an overview of structural capability and drawbacks for future research and development using bamboo in modern construction. Full article

The chemical composition and structure of bamboo octocoral Keratoisis spp. skeletons were investigated by using: Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM, Raman Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction XRD, Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma LA-ICP, and amino acid analyzers. Elements discovered in the nodes (mainly organic parts of the skeleton) of bamboo corals showed a very interesting arrangement in the growth ring areas, most probably enabling the application of bamboo corals as palaeochronometers and palaeothermometers. LA-ICP results showed that these gorgonian corals had an unusually large content of bromine, larger than any other organism yet studied. The local concentration of bromine in the organic part of the growth rings of one of the studied corals grew up to 29,000 ppm of bromine. That is over 440 times more than is contained in marine water and 35 times more than Murex contains, the species which was used to make Tyrian purple in ancient times. The organic matter of corals is called gorgonin, the specific substance that both from the XRD and Raman studies seem to be very similar to the reptile and bird keratins and less similar to the mammalian keratins. The missing cross-linking by S-S bridges, absence of aromatic rings, and significant participation of β-turn organization of peptides differs gorgonin from keratins. Perhaps, the gorgonin belongs to the affined but still different substances concerning reptile and bird keratin and in relation to the more advanced version—the mammalian one. Chemical components of bamboo corals seem to have great medical potential, with the internodes as material substituting the hard tissues and the nodes as the components of medicines. Full article

Bamboo is a material with excellent development prospects. It is increasingly used in furniture, decoration, building, and bridge construction. In this study, Furfurylated bamboo bundles and phenol-formaldehyde resin were used to make bamboo-scrimber composites (BSCs) via molding-recombination and hot-pressing processes. The effects of the impregnation mode, furfuryl-alcohol concentration, and curing temperature on the various physical–mechanical properties and durability of the composites were evaluated. Scanning-electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microstructural differences. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to investigate changes in the chemical constituents. The heat resistance was also investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the density of the furfurylated BSC increased by up to 22% compared with that of the BSC-C with the same paving mode. The furfurylated BSCs had lower moisture contents: the average moisture content of the furfurylated BSCs was 25~50% lower than that of the BSC-C. In addition, the furfurylated BSCs showed better dimensional stability and durability, since the decay-resistance grade of the BSCs was raised from decay resistance (class II) to strong decay resistance (class I). In terms of the mechanical properties, the furfurylation had a slight negative effect on the mechanical strength of the BSCs, and the modulus of rupture (MOR) and horizontal shear strength (HSS) of the BSCs were increased to a certain extent under most of the treatment conditions. In particular, the highest HSS for indoor use and MOR of the furfurylated BSCs increased by 21% and 9% compared with those of the untreated BSCs, respectively. The SEM results indicated that the FA resin effectively filled in the bamboo-cell cavities and vessels, and the modified bamboo-parenchyma cells were compressed more tightly and evenly. The FTIR and XPS spectroscopy showed that the hydroxyl group of carboxylic acid of the bamboo-cell-wall component reacted with that of the furan ring, and the cellulose and hemicellulose underwent acid hydrolysis to a certain extent after the furfurylation. Overall, the present study highlights the potential of furfurylation as a modification method to enhance BSC products. Further research should focus on improving the ability of furfurylated BSCs to prevent the growth of Botryodiplodia theobromae. Additionally, the influence of furfuryl-alcohol resin on the bonding strengths of PF adhesives should be further clarified. Full article

Engineering bamboo is a type of cheap and good-quality, easy-to-process material, which is widely used in construction engineering, bridge engineering, water conservancy engineering and other fields; however, crack defects lead to reduced reliability of the engineered bamboo. Accurate identification of the crack tip position and crack propagation length can improve the reliability of the engineered bamboo. Digital image correlation technology and high-quality images have been used to measure the crack tip damage zone of engineered bamboo, but the improvement of image quality with more-advanced optical equipment is limited. In this paper, we studied an application based on deep learning providing a super-resolution reconstruction method in the field of engineered bamboo DIC technology. The attention-dense residual and generative adversarial network (ADRAGAN) model was trained using a comprehensive loss function, where network interpolation was used to balance the network parameters to suppress artifacts. Compared with the super resolution generative adversarial network (SRGAN),super resolution ResNet (SRResNet), and bicubic B-spline interpolation, the superiority of the ADRAGAN network in super-resolution reconstruction of engineered bamboo speckle images was verified through assessment of both objective evaluation indices (PSNR and SSIM) and a subjective evaluation index (MOS). Finally, the images generated by each algorithm were imported into the DIC analysis software, and the crack propagation length was calculated and compared. The obtained results indicate that the proposed ADRAGAN method can reconstruct engineered bamboo speckle images with high quality, obtaining a crack detection accuracy of 99.65%. Full article