Fibrils of Bambusa tulda Roxb. as a sustainable material for composites: Their characteristics within the culm wall

Bamboos are fast-growing grasses found in many parts of the world. Their wide availability, rapid growth and durability make them attractive as sustainable materials. Bamboo shows a huge diversity in terms of habitat, age, species and even within the same species. In this study, Bambusa tulda found in the northeast of India was sectioned into four parts, from outermost (section 1) to the innermost (section 4) part, and variations in its properties were studied. The four sections were evaluated in terms of morphological, chemical, tensile and thermal characteristics. Sections 1 and 2 were more suitable for structural uses, whereas sections 3 and 4 were better for more delicate applications. There were differences in the parts with and without nodes from the same bamboo culm. These results should help researchers select the appropriate part of the bamboo cross-section for fibre/fibril extraction with the endpoint being their incorporation into composites. • In the current study, north eastern variety of Bambusa tulda was considered and its fibrils were extracted from four sections viz. outermost (Section 1) to the innermost part (Section 4) of the cross-section. Each section was individually examined for its chemical composition, morphology, tensile strength and thermal analysis. • Structurally, Sections 1 and 2 can be opted as a better option but for thermal appliances 2 and 3 sections are better. Similarly, Section 4 can be used for decorative and fragile products, keeping the aesthetic looks intact. • Therefore, Bambusa tulda can be used for fabrication of engineered bio-composites and can be experimented by altering number of fibrils added as reinforcement, its orientations and layers of reinforcement needed for a better result.