Philippine Journal of Science
152 (1): 191-204, February 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 19 Aug 2022
Potential Utilization of 12 Climbing Bamboo Species
Found in Luzon Island, Philippines
Elvina O. Bondad*, Oliver S. Marasigan, Marina A. Alipon, and Shereyl A. Daguinod
Physics and Mechanics Section, Material Science Division
Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI)
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
College, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines
*Corresponding author: elvina.bondad@fprdi.dost.gov.ph
[Download]
Bondad E et al. 2023. Potential Utilization of 12 Climbing Bamboo Species
Found in Luzon Island, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(1): 191–204.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.01.14
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of 12 species of climbing bamboo collected from Luzon, Island Philippines, viz. bolo [Cyrtochloa fenixii(Gamble) S. Dransf], baitu (Cyrtochloa hirsuta S. Dransf. comb. nov.), luzon bikal [Cyrtochloa luzonica (Gamble) S. Dransf], bikal baboy [Cyrtochloa major (Pilg.) S. Dransf. comb. nov.], puser [Cyrtochloa puser (Gamble) S. Dransf. comb. nov.], bukawe [Crytochloa toppingii (Gamble) Dransf.], bikal [Dinochloa acutiflora (Munro) S. Dransf. comb. nov.], tagisi (Dinochloa dielsianaPilger), elmer bikal (Dinochloa elmeri Gamble), baguisan (Dinochloa pubiramea Gamble), bagtok (Cephalostachyum mindorenseGamble), and yaho (Cephalostachyum mindorenseGamble). The physical and mechanical characteristics were determined using the ASTM D143. For physical properties, luzon bikal, bukawe, bagtok, and baitu showed the lowest green MC (64.26, 91.96, 93.40, and 94.25%, respectively) but gave the highest relative density (0.777, 0.603, 0.630, and 0.619, respectively). Baguisan, on the other hand, showed the highest tangential (11.99%), radial (14.28%), and volumetric shrinkage (24.24%). For longitudinal shrinkage, yaho (0.91%) gave the highest value. From the bottom to the top portion, a decrease in MC and an increase in RD were observed. For the shrinkage properties, various trends along the height levels of the bamboo were observed. Various trends in mechanical properties at green condition, highest fiber stress at elastic limit (FSEL), modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were observed on luzon bikal (46.48 MPa, 70.07 MPa, and 11.50 GPa, respectively) and bagtok (40.69 MPa, 79.05 MPa, and 11.36 GPa, respectively). Similarly, these species showed the highest compression parallel-to-grain with node (56.11 and 42.66 MPa, respectively) and without node (58.52 and 44.60 MPa). On the other hand, the highest shear strength with and without node was observed in bagtok (13.22 and 8.68 MPa, respectively) and baitu (10.16 MPa and 7.53 MPa, respectively). The significant differences among species might be due to differences in relative density and height levels. Based on the DOST-FPRDI strength classification, baitu, luzon bikal, bikal baboy, bagtok, yaho, puser, and bukawe are suited to applications where the large diameter is not required such as construction, high-grade furniture, and flooring where both strength and durability are required. Bolo, tagisi, and elmer bikal, on the other hand, are suitable for high-grade furniture, paneling, automobile bodies, and musical instruments, whereas bikal and baguisan are suited for pulp and paper and low-grade furniture. The improved utilization of climbing bamboos can give bamboo growers a wider range of options for plantation establishment and bamboo product manufacturers more choices for their raw materials.