Bamboo structures, and methods for fabrication and use thereof

A method comprising:

• mechanically processing a natural bamboo section to form a plurality of segments of bamboo, the mechanically processing comprising:
• cutting a slit in the natural bamboo section, the slit extending along a longitudinal direction of the natural bamboo section;
• softening the natural bamboo section by exposing to steam;
• flattening the natural bamboo section by horizontal pressing or cold rolling;
• and
• cutting the flattened bamboo section into the plurality of segments of bamboo;
• after the mechanically processing, removing at least some lignin from a plurality of segments of bamboo via one or more chemical treatments;
• pressing each chemically-treated segment of bamboo in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the respective segment, such that natural lumina originally in the respective segment at least partially collapse;
• and
• embedding the plurality of pressed, chemically-treated segments of bamboo within a base material to form a composite.

A method comprising:

• removing at least some lignin from a plurality of segments of bamboo via one or more chemical treatments;
• pressing each chemically-treated segment of bamboo in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the respective segment, such that natural lumina originally in the respective segment at least partially collapse;
• and
• embedding the plurality of pressed, chemically-treated segments of bamboo within a base material to form a composite,
• wherein the embedding comprises subjecting the base material with the plurality of pressed, chemically-treated segments of bamboo therein to further pressing.