Bamboo culm vertical lever flattening mechanism with sodium bicarbonate softening process

Abstract

Some constructions require flattening bamboo culms to be used for constructing flat surfaces. With such need for flattened bamboo culms, the aim of this research is to develop a cost-effective and novel way of flattening bamboo culms for the species, Schizostachyum lumampao or buho, by integrating a softening process using sodium bicarbonate water solution and application of steam, then be pressed by a pressing mechanism using counter-bending technique to eliminate spring back effect of the bamboo culm. An open vessel was filled with sodium bicarbonate and water solution tested at concentrations between 15% and 26% by volume and then heated by 1.5 kW immersion heater. Pressure vessel partially filled with water and a 3-kW immersion heater were used to generate steam for the bamboo culm to maintain its flexibility as it is pressed. The bamboo culms reached a mean degree of flatness of 0.91. Thinner “Buho” (bamboo culm) submerged at around 20% of NaHCO3 concentration was successfully flattened within an average flattening time of ten (10) minutes, similar with thicker bamboo culm but submerged at concentration greater than 20% of NaHCO3. The machine had been incorporated with batch-type process and showed an efficiency of 90.75%.