Comparison of the structure and flexural properties of Moso, Guadua and Tre Gai bamboo

•Longitudinal MOE and MOR of bamboo material from three species are investigated.•At a given density, the MOE of Guadua is higher than those of two other species.•All three species’ MOR can be described by a single linear density relationship.•Ultrastructural measurements suggest the solid cell wall of Guadua is stiffest.

Bamboo is an underutilized resource widely available in countries with rapidly developing economies. Structural bamboo products, analogous to wood products, allow flexibility in the shape and dimensions of bamboo structural members. Here, the ultrastructure, microstructure, cell wall properties and flexural properties of three species of bamboo (Moso, Guadua and Tre Gai) are compared. At a given density, the axial modulus of elasticity of Guadua is higher than that of Moso or Tre Gai, which are similar; ultrastructural results suggest that Guadua has a higher solid cell wall stiffness. At a given density, their moduli of rupture are similar.