Bamboo fibre

Structure of bamboo fibre A combination of X-ray analysis, measurement of refractive indices in longitudinal view and of phase differences in transverse section, has presented a complete picture of cellulose chain orientation. The wall of bamboo fibres is many layered. An outermost, thin layer is composed of cellulose chains making an angle of 35 to cell length and this is followed by other, inner layers where the angle steadily decreases from outer to inner layers, first to about 20 and then to about 10. These layers are separated by thicker layers, dark in transverse section between crossed nicols, in which the angle is seldom more than 56. These are average figures. The results show most clearly that each angle, , varies with the fibre length, L, in such a way that the longer cells have steeper spirals in harmony with a relation of the type L=A+Bcot already proposed for wood tracheides. The thick-walled bamboo fibres exhibit a polylamellate structure with alternating broad and narrow lamellae. Characteristically the cellulose fibrils in the broad lamellae are oriented almost parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fibre (220), whereby there is a gradual but only slight increase in the angle from middle lamella to lumen. The narrow lamellae consist of fibrils oriented almost perpendicular to the cell axis (8590); this angle remains constant in all the successive narrow lamellae. The concentration of lignin is higher in the narrow lamellae than in the broad ones. Xylan seems to occur in a higher concentration in the narrow lamellae. The pits between the fibres are bordered. The results are discussed in relation to earlier data on wall structure and development. A model for the thick-walled bamboo fibre is presented with a new terminology for the various lamellae. Biological composition of bamboo Biological composition of bamboo The basic tissues that comprise all herbaceous plants are epidermal, vascular and ground tissue. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the vascular bundles were distributed within the bamboo section of both Mao Zhu and Kao Zhu. The density of vascular bundles at the outer layers

of the bamboo is higher than the inner layers. Images of the vascular bundles at mid wall region of the transverse section were taken. The representative images were presented in Fig. 3. The vascular bundle area of the images was further zoomed as shown in Fig. 4. It is seen that the biological composition of Mao Zhu and Kao Zhu differ remarkably. In other words, the cross-sectional area of sclerenchyma tissue differs remarkably with the species. In general, the area of sclerenchyma of Mao Zhu was larger than Kao Zhu. The sclerenchyma sheaths of the vascular bundles formed a thick-walled part of the bundle strengthening the bamboo. Therefore, the area of sclerenchyma fibre and the number of vascular bundle are largely related to the strength of bamboo. The cross-sectional area of the sclerenchyma fibre varies firstly with location of sample taken and secondly the age of bamboo.

Fig. 2. Bamboo section showing the distribution of vascular bundles and midwall region.

Fig. 3. Magnified midwall region of bamboo showing the vascular bundle (50): (a) Mao Zhu and (b) Kao Zhu.

Fig. 4. The sclerenchyma tissues (dark area) of the vascular bundle which serves as the strengthening material: (a) Mao Zhu and (b) Kao Zhu. Compressive strength: The bamboo fibre failed in compression buckling. The compressive strength of both Mao Zhu and Kao Zhu ranged between 45 and 65 N/mm2. For both Kao Zhu and Mao Zhu, the compressive strength of top section bamboo was higher than that of the bottom section. At the same time, the number of vascular bundle (sclerenchyma fibre per unit area) of bamboo section was found to be greater at the top part of the bamboo than bottom part.

Properties: Fineness (dtex) 1.33 / 1.56 / 1.67 2.00 2.22 2.78 3.33 5.56 Length(mm) 38 45 51 51 64 76 38

Physical Parameters of bamboo fiber: Testing condition: Temperature: 20 Relative humidity: 65% Dry tensile strength(CN/dtex) Wet tensile strength(CN/dtex) Dry elongation at break (%) Linear density percentage of deviation (%) Percentage of length deviation (%) Over length staple fiber (%) Over cut fiber(mg/100g) Residual sulfur(mg/100g) Defect(mg/100g) Oil-stained fiber(mg/100g) Coefficient of dry tenacity variation (CV)(%) Whiteness (%) Oil content (%) Moisture regain (%) 2.33 1.37 23.8 -1.8 -1.8 0.2 6.2 9.2 6.4 0 13.42 69.6 0.17 13.03

Special Properties of bamboo fibre: 1. Breathable and cool What's notable of bamboo fiber is its unusual breath ability and coolness. Because the cross-section of the bamboo fiber is filled with various micro-gaps and micro-holes, it has much better moisture absorption and ventilation. With this unparalleled micro-structure, bamboo fiber apparel can absorb and evaporate humans sweat in a split second. Just like breathing, such garments make people feel extremely cool and comfortable in the hot summer. It is never sticking to skin even in hot summer. According to authoritative testing figures, apparels made from bamboo fibers are 1-2 degrees lower than normal apparels in hot summer. Apparel made from bamboo fiber is crowned as Air Conditioning Dress.

Bamboo fibers cross section

2. Natural Anti-bacteria It's a common fact that bamboo can thrive naturally without using any pesticide. It is seldom eaten by pests or infected by pathogen. Why? Scientists found that bamboo owns a unique anti-bacteria and bacteriostasis bio-agent named "bamboo Kun". This substance combined with bamboo cellulose molecular tightly all along during the process of being produced into bamboo fiber. Bamboo fiber has particular and natural functions of anti-bacteria, bacteriostasis and deodorization It is validated by Japan Textile Inspection Association that, even after fifty times of washing, bamboo fiber fabric still possesses excellent function of anti-bacteria, bacteriostasis. Its test result shows over 70% death rate after bacteria being incubated on bamboo fiber fabric. Bamboo fiber's natural anti-bacteria function differs greatly from that of chemical antimicrobial. The later often tend to cause Skin allergy when added to apparel. 3. Green & Biodegradable As a regenerated cellulose fiber, bamboo fiber's process is wet-spinning, and bamboo fiber was 100% made from bamboo through high-tech process. The whole distilling and producing process is green process without any pollution. It produces natural and ecofriendly fiber without any chemical additive. Bamboo fiber is biodegradable textile material. As a natural cellulose fiber, It can be 100% biodegraded in soil by microorganism and sunshine. The decomposition process doesn't cause any pollution environment. "Bamboo fiber comes from nature, and completely returns to nature in the end". 4. Anti- UVB With modern industrial development, the atmospheric ozone constantly undermined, leading to increased surface ultraviolet radiation. Its great drama of human skin can cause harm. The UVA, UVB-band feed melanin generation, resulting in cerebral cortex aging,

and even cause cataracts, skin cancer and other ailments. Therefore, in the ultraviolet increasingly high demand products. Bamboo fiber with the character of anti UV, antibacterial character is quite appreciated by all the customers. The End-use of Bamboo Fiber Bamboo intimate apparels Include sweaters, bath-suits, mats, blankets; towels have comfortable hand, special luster and bright colors, good water absorbance. Bamboo fiber has such a sole function as anti bacteria, which is suitable to make underwear, tight t-shirt and socks. Its anti-ultraviolet nature is suitable to make summer clothing, especially for the protection of pregnant ladies and children from the hurt of ultraviolet radiation. Bamboo non-woven fabric is made by pure bamboo pulp, which has same property as viscose fibers. However, bamboo has wide prospects in the field of hygiene materials such as sanitary napkin, masks, mattress, food-packing bags due to its anti-bacteria nature. Bamboo sanitary materials include bandage, mask, surgical clothes, and nurses wears and so on. The bamboo fiber has natural effects of sterilization and bacteriostasis, therefore it has incomparably wide foreground on application in sanitary material such as sanitary tower, gauze mask, absorbent pads, food packing and so on. In the medical scope, it can be processed into the products of bamboo fiber gauze, operating coat, and nurse dress, etc. Because of the natural antibiosis function of the bamboo fiber, the finished products need not to be added with any artificial synthesized antimicrobial agent, so it won't cause the skin allergy phenomena, and at the same time, it also has competitive prices in the market. Bamboo decorating series has the functions of antibiosis, bacteriostasis and ultravioletproof. It is very advantageous for utilization in the decorating industry. Along with the badly deterioration of atmosphere pollution and the destruction to the ozonosphere, the ultraviolet radiation arrives the ground more and more. Long time exposure to ultraviolet

irradiation will cause skin cancer. But the wallpaper and curtains made from bamboo fiber can absorb ultraviolet radiation in various wavelength, thus to lessen the harm to human body farthest. What's more, bamboo decorating product won't go moldy due to the damp. Curtain, television cover, wallpaper and sofa slipcover can all be made by bamboo fiber. Bamboo bathroom series enjoy good moisture, soft feel and splendid colors as well as anti bacteria property, which are well popular in home textiles. Bamboo towel and bath robe have soft and comfortable hand feeling and excellent moisture absorption function. Its nature antibiosis function keeps bacterium away so that it won't produce bad odor.