Bamboo as a raw material for production of medical and hygiene products

Bamboo fibres find application in medical products due to inherent properties of absorption, retention and softness like other natural fibres. The fibre is a kind of regenerated cellulose fibre and is obtained from bamboo pulp. Commercial medical applications from bamboo have not yet been exploited in the country. Bamboo fibre has strong durability, stability and tenacity. The thinness and degree of whiteness is similar to classic viscose. Further, this fibre has capacity to withstand high abrasion. Being a natural cellulose fibre it can be naturally degraded in soil and would not cause environmental pollution.

Products Options

• Impermeable plastic wound dressing
• Perforated film absorbent dressing
• Permeable plastic dressing
• Personal hygiene products

Process of preparation of medical dressings/ hygiene products
Bamboo Chips -> Pulp -> Water/ Physical Disintegration -> Drying --- Opening ---- Preparation of Absorbent Layer -> Product

Properties and product specifications
Bamboo fibres have inherent antibacterial properties. The wound dressings made up of bamboo pulp, fabric and plastic as backing material have been analysed as per British Pharmacopoeia for properties of water vapor permeability, adhesiveness, weight of adhesive mass and extensibility and have found to meet the standard requirements. The personal hygiene products have been tested for content of antiseptic, dimensions and weight per unit area and have given satisfactory performance. All products have been evaluated for toxicological properties like skin irritation and sensitisation and have cleared the tests.