Bamboo modification with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) catalyzed by maleic anhydride

Abstract

Low-molecular-weight 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was used to modify bamboo strips catalyzed by maleic anhydride. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the treatment conditions for DMDHEU modification of bamboo. Three selected parameters, DMDHEU concentration, curing temperature, and curing time, were further optimized using response surface methodology via the box behnken design (BBD). The equilibrium moisture content (EMC), water absorption (WA), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), mechanical properties, and mold resistances to (Aspergillus niger V. Tiegh, Penicillium citrinum Thom, Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fr., and Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat.) were evaluated as the dependent variables. The results show that the dimensional stability and mold resistance of bamboo were enhanced remarkably, and the modulus of rupture (MOR) of bamboo was decreased after DMDHEU modification, while the modulus of elasticity (MOE) changed slightly, and the parallel-to-grain compressive strength (CS) was increased. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the effect of modification on the bamboo microstructure and functional groups. In the context of SEM, TGA, and FTIR analyses, the thermal stability of bamboo modified with a medium or high concentration of DMDHEU was improved, the starch granules in the parenchyma cells of modified bamboo dissolved, and few resins were distributed in the lumens of treated bamboo.