Water Holding Capacity and Mechanical Properties of Moulded Pulp from Gigantochloa Levis Bamboo

This study investigates the development of biodegradable olded pulp from Gigantochloa levis (GL) bamboo as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic urinal bottles used in healthcare. The pulp was produced via Kraft pulping and hydrophobically modified using 5% alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). The structural, thermal, and mechanical characteristics were evaluated and compared to commercial disposable urinal pulp products. The moulded pulp exhibited a water holding capacity (WHC) of 4.8% and maintained structural integrity for more than 48 hours, meeting the PAS29:1999 standard. Mechanical testing revealed competitive performance, with a tensile index of 10.13 Nm/g, tearing index of 9.43 mN·m2/g, and bursting index of 1.31 kPa·m2/g. Characterization using FTIR, XRD, and TGA confirmed the successful incorporation of AKD, improved hydrophobicity, and stable thermal behavior. This study highlights the potential of GL bamboo pulp in healthcare and packaging sectors, offering an eco-friendly solution to reduce plastic waste while maintaining functionality. Future work will focus on improving structural design, scaling up fabrication, and evaluating antimicrobial and fire-retardant properties for broader medical applications.