Anatomical and Physical Properties of Indonesian Bamboos Carbonized at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Tropical bamboo species, which have a very rapid growth rate, are considered as a promising non-timber forest product capable of exhibiting new functionality by carbonization technology. This study was conducted to compare the characteristics of carbonized bamboos from Andong (G. pseuudoarundinacea (Steudel) Widjaja), Hitam (G. atrovialacea), Tali (G. apus), Kuning (B. vulgaris Var. striata (Lodd. Ex Lindl)), and Ampel (B. vulgaris Scharad. ex Wendland), and Betung (D. asper). Each bamboo was carbonized at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 , respectively, and their physical and anatomical characteristics were investigated. The result showed that the volume and weight of carbonized bamboo decreased with increasing carbonization temperature and showed the substantial changes of volume and weight between 200 and 400 . The highest and the lowest density of carbonized samples were found in Ampel bamboo and Betung bamboo, respectively. The density of all carbonized bamboos tended to decrease after carbonization at 200 and 400 and relatively become constant afterwards. The carbonized bamboo prepared at 800 and 1,000 showed better refining degree. The results of the anatomical observation showed that the vascular diameter of carbonized bamboo decreased with increasing carbonization temperature, and the shrinkage in radial and tangential direction showed similar tendency. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant correlation between physical contraction and anatomical contraction. Based on the results of this study, comprehensive data about Indonesian bamboo charcoals could be obtained and it will be useful for future application studies.