Abstract:

Bamboo is a functionally graded material in nature with excellent mechanical properties. This paper performed a review of study on the bamboo inspired materials. It started with a introduction of the bamboo microstructural properties, followed by a description of the characterization of the elastic modulus, tensile strength and fracture resistance of natural bamboo. Then, a summary of the bamboo fiber reinforced polymeric composites (BFRP) was presented by introducing the fabrication process and the features of primary BFRP composites. Subsequently, the study of bamboo inspired functionally graded materials were also reviewed by introducing the ceramic-metal joints, the piezoelectric actuators and buckling resistant cylindrical structures. In addition the cross section, the study of the functionally graded feature of individual bamboo fibers and parenchyma was also described to provide potential thoughts for future studies.