Comparative Distribution of Chemicals in Treated <em>Gigantochloa Scortechinii</em> Through Soaking, Vacuum Pressure and High-Pressure Sap-Displacement

Abstract

The chemicals distribution of preservatives treated bamboo Gigantochloa scortechinii through soaking, vacuum pressure and high-pressure sap displacement were studied. The distribution of chemicals in the bamboo influences their durability against the attacks of the insects and fungi. This largely depends on the chemicals penetration, location and retention at the tissue and cell wall levels in the bamboo. At optimum retention levels, the preservative performance should be comparable unless the preservative's distribution, substrate susceptibility or fixation product had altered. In evaluating the performance of various treatment methods employed, the distribution of preservatives within the cell walls of treated bamboo must be considered. The results from the energy dispersive x-ray analysis on the bamboo treated with copper chrome arsenic and ammoniacal copper quaternary are analyzed. The G. scortechinii samples were treated by soaking, vacuum pressure impregnating and high-pressure sap- displacement. Observations were carried out using the transmission electron microscope linked system to an energy dispersive x-ray analyzer. The system enables to detect preservative distribution at the cellular level and measured relative preservative content into the lumen surface, in the S 2 cell wall layer and in the middle lamella.