Bamboos: From Bioresource to Sustainable Materials and Chemicals

Abstract

Nature is a master engineer. From the bones of the tiniest bird to the sophisticated bioproduction of a spider’s web, the works of nature are an enigma to the scientific mind. In the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, studying, understanding, and harnessing the intricacies of nature’s designs for the benefit of mankind is the bedrock of science and technology. One such exceptionally engineered natural material is the bamboo plant. This ancient vegetation has, over dozens of generations, reinvented itself as a legendary, resilient, ubiquitous, and impressive bioresource that is not just sustainable, but also ecologically and cheaply cultivatable, and invaluable for soil erosion control, while holding the enormous potential to be transmuted into various useful chemicals and materials. With the increasing concerns and obligations in rethinking the future of the environment, sequestration of carbon dioxide, reduction in timber usage, and preservation of already depleted non-renewable resources, it has become vital for environmentalists, governments, scientists, and other stakeholders to identify alternatives to fossil-based chemicals and their derivable materials that are sustainable without compromising efficiency. By coalescing engineering-, chemical-, and materials science-based approaches, including results from over 100 reports, we demonstrate that the bamboo plant presents enormous opportunities for sustainable chemicals and materials. In addition, we highlight the current challenges involving the optimization of bamboo-based technologies and provide recommendations for future studies.

On the chemistry of furfuryl alcohol polymerization: A review

“…The issues arising from the unsustainable nature of fossil-based hydrocarbons and the environmental concerns linked to materials derived from fossil sources, such as plastic pollution, have triggered a substantial shift in the global perspective on saving the Earth and humanity. [1][2][3][4][5][6] An increasing focus is exploring sustainable material sources that reduce reliance on petroleum-based resources. This shift benefits local job stability, stimulates economic expansion, encourages technological advancements, safeguards foreign reserves, supports de-fossilization initiatives, and aligns with the objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs).…”

“…The issues arising from the unsustainable nature of fossil‐based hydrocarbons and the environmental concerns linked to materials derived from fossil sources, such as plastic pollution, have triggered a substantial shift in the global perspective on saving the Earth and humanity 1–6 . An increasing focus is exploring sustainable material sources that reduce reliance on petroleum‐based resources.…”

The Utilization of Laminated Petung Bamboo for Door Frame

“…In fact, bamboo might well be utilized to used as sustainable building material (Aniegbuna & Okolie, 2021;Irawati et al, 2021;Manandhar et al, 2019;Yadav & Mathur, 2021). Building which emploting the bamboo has the potential to decrease carbon dioxide emissions during the construction process (Iroegbu & Ray, 2021;.…”

Properties and application of kraft pulp prepared from waste bamboo powder

“…China's forest resources are relatively scarce, and the per capita forest area is less than 1/4 of the world average (Liu et al 2021a;Yang et al 2012). An increase in pulp and paperboard consumption coupled with stricter environmental and sustainability regulations have prompted the development of additional natural materials for pulp and papermaking (Lucia et al 2007;Iroegbu and Ray et al 2021). Saving paper has become a social consensus.…”

“…Bamboo powder does not need to be crushed and deinked, which is more environmentally friendly and energy-saving. Moreover, as one of the wastes generated in the production and processing of bamboo products (Iroegbu and Ray et al 2021), its recycling price is lower than that of OCC, and the economic feasibility is higher.…”