Hybrid approach to determine the mechanical parameters of fibers and matrixes of bamboo

In the view of micromechanics, bamboo can be idealized as a 2-phase composite consisting of vascular bundles (fibers which serves as reinforcement) and ground tissues (serves as matrixes). To determine mechanical parameters of fibers and matrixes is essential to quantitatively evaluate the mechanical properties of bamboo. This is significant to control the mechanical properties of engineered bamboo materials as expected in manufacture. However, it is impossible to measure the mechanical parameters of the fibers and the matrixes of bamboo at first hand because they cannot be separated from bamboo without damage. This paper presents a hybrid approach to determine the mechanical parameters of fibers and matrixes of natural bamboo. By micromechanical analysis, macro tensile experiments, and microscopic image analysis for bamboo samples, the mechanical properties of natural bamboo associated with the properties of fibers and matrixes and with the volume friction of fibers were quantitatively established. The results indicated that the Young’s moduli and the tensile strength of bamboo in longitudinal direction are determined by those of fibers and matrix, and are linearly related to the volume fraction of fibers. Using this character, the mechanical parameters of fibers and matrixes were determined.

► Natural bamboo can be idealized as a 2-phase composite.
► A method to determine mechanical parameters of the 2-phases of bamboo was reported.
► Relations of mechanical properties among bamboo and its 2-phases were established.
► The mechanical parameters of fibers and matrixes of bamboo were evaluated.