Abstract

• In this research work, the physico-chemical characteristics (moisture, ash, volatile matter, lignin content, etc,.) of two types of bamboo Kyakhatwa (Bambusa arundinacea), Kyathaungwa (Bambusa Polymorpha) were determined and they were used to prepare white charcoal by forced air type updraft kiln and by makeshift furnace. The physico-chemical properties of prepared white charcoal samples were compared with those of the commercial white charcoals from Japan and Myanmar. The morphological analysis of prepared charcoals and commercial white charcoals was conducted by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) method. The decolourization property of prepared white charcoals and commercial white charcoals was determined by using 0.01M potassium permanganate solution. According to the results, charcoal made by makeshift furnace from Kyathaungwa (Bambusa polymorpha) was found to have the highest fixed carbon content (86.24 %w/w) among the charcoals samples made by different methods and also higher than that of two commercial white charcoals. All white charcoal samples prepared from bamboo had a greater number of pores than commercial white charcoal. Therefore, the absorption capacity for decolourization of the prepared white charcoal was higher than that of both commercial white charcoals.