The effect of fiber density on strength capacity of bamboo

The effect of the diameter and age of bamboo on the compressive strength capacity of bamboo stick were investigated. The fiber density of sclerenchyma tissues of two types of bamboo, namely Mao Zhu and Kao Zhu, was examined under scanning electronic microscope. Findings indicated that the compressive strengths for Mao Zhu and Kao Zhu ranged between 47.0 and 62.8 N/mm(2) and between 37.7 and 62.0 N/mm(2), respectively, and the strength decreased significantly with the increase in its outer diameter. The sclerenchyma fibers were more closely packed at the top section of the bamboo, resulting in a higher strength capacity of bamboo. The fiber density of sclerenchyma tissue within the bamboo is a good indicator of the strength capacity of bamboo. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.