Grain size effects on the abrasive wear of bamboo

Abrasive wear tests of bamboo were performed on some grain sizes of abrasive papers. Mosochiku (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) was used for the tests, and the abrasive wear properties from the outer surface to the inner surface were examined. The abrasive wear was least at the outside position near the outer surface, and was greater at the inner position of each specimen. However the most weak and worn point was the inside position to about 4 mm distance from the inner surface. These results depended on the materials strength of the worn position. The grain size dependence on abrasive wear of bamboo showed three types as follows. One was Type 4, which was the case the critical grain size effects were recognized. Another was Type B, which had a relationship between the wear rates of bamboo and grain sizes being lineally. The other was Type C, which was the case when the wear rates for some grain sizes increased remarkably. These Types A and B agreed with the grain size dependence of some woods or formed plastics. But, Type C was the characteristic phenomena of bamboo. From these results and observed microstructures after the wear tests, it was suggested that the buckling of the bundle sheath in bamboo was responsible for Type C.