Effects on Morphology and Chemical Properties of Indonesian Bamboos by Carbonization

A simple carbonization technique was applied to utilize Indonesian bamboo resources. Several ba mboo species as betung ( Dendrocalamus asper ), andong ( Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea (Steudel) Widjaja), hitam ( G. atroviolacea ), tali ( G. apus ), kuning ( Bambusa vulgaris var. striata ), and ampel bamboo ( B. Vulgaris Scharad ) were selected for carbonization. Carbonization was conducted using a laboratory electrical furnace at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 1,000°C. The morphological and chemical properties of bamboos before and after carbonization were then analyzed. Betung, hitam, tali, kuning, and ampel bamboos had t ype IV structure which was the most common bamboo structure, while andong bambo had type III structure . Cracks in the fiber bundle were observed and became more visible with the increase of carbonization temperature. The pH showed a similar trend in all species. As a result of the electric conductivity test, carbonized andong and kuning bamboo showed higher value due to rich inorganic content. Kuning bamboo has a high value of potassium and silica content, which are suitable for use as fertilizer. The chemical structure transition of bamboo during the carbonization process was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, and significant changes were observed between 400 and 600°C. These results could be useful fundamental data for promoting high value-added bamboo utilization and improving research in Indonesian bamboo. Keywords:  bamboo charcoal, carbonization, Indonesian bamboo, inorganic content, FTIR