LAUSR

Abstract This study reports a new cellulosic material that maintains the original three-dimensional structure of bamboo and is produced by optimization of chemical treatments. Bamboo blocks were prepared from the current year culms of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and subjected to three chemical treatments alone or in combination. Based on the color changes and Fourier transform infrared spectra, the combination of alkaline treatment with alcoholysis followed by Wise method was found to be an optimal treatment method. This serial treatment caused the blocks to become completely white and removed non-cellulosic components such as hemicellulose and lignin from the cell walls of the parenchyma as well as those of vascular bundles. This sample was named as “White-Colored Bamboo.” Extensive structural evaluations from anatomical- to nano- level were performed using X-ray computed tomography, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy incorporated with the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation technique. These multiple observations showed that the white-colored bamboo maintained its inherent hierarchical structure, thus encouraging to produce functional biomaterials.