Abstract of thesis submitted to the Senate of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

EFFECTS OF AGE AND HEIGHT ON SELECTED PROPERTIES OF
THREE MALAYSIAN BAMBOO SPECIES

by

Abd. Latif Mohmod
December 1991

Chairman: Assoc. Prof. Mohd. Zin Jusoh
Faculty: Forestry

        Although bamboo is widely found in Peninsular Malaysia, little research has been conducted on its importance for industrial use. A study was initiated to evaluate the effect of age and height of three common bamboo species namely Bambusa blumeana Schult. "Buluh Duri", Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. "Buluh Minyak" and Gigantochloa scortechinii Gamble "Buluh Semantan" on their anatomical, mechanical and machining properties and durability against borers.

        All the anatomical properties except radial/tangential ratio of the vascular bundles size showed no significant relationship with age and height. The fibres of both the Bambusa species were shorter than those of and Gigantochloa scortechinii (ranges of 1.74-3.76 mm and 3.50-4.24 mm, respectively). The average cell wall thickness of the three bamboo species was in the range of 5-7 µm.

        The initial moisture content and oven-dry densities of the bamboo differed significantly with species and maturity but not with weight. The moisture content of the samples ranged from 54-300 percent in Bambusa vulgaris, 60-164 percent in Bambusa blumeana and 67-133 percent in Gigantochloa scortechinii. The densities of the bamboo, however, were in the range of 200-630 kg/m³, 360-690 kg/m³  and 380-620 kg/m³ in Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa blumeana and Gigantochloa scortechinii, respectively. The radial and tangential shrinkages decreased with increase in age and culm height. In general, the strength properties of the bamboo increased with age and culm height.

        Bamboo should be harvested and processed at two years of age with usage limited to the basal and middle portion to ensure good quality products. Gigantochloa scortechinii, which generally possessed a higher content of starch and total sugars, was observed to be less susceptible to borer attack than both the Bambusa species. This indicates that its inherent physical and chemical properties besides its carbohydrate content may also affect the durability of bamboo.

Citation:
Abd. Latif, M. 1991. Effects of age and height on selected properties of three Malaysian bamboo species. M. S. Thesis. Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. 131 leaves. (http://www.oocities.org/EnchantedForest/Palace/1170/abab.html)