Determination of the Effects of Superheated Steam on Microstructure and Micromechanical Properties of Bamboo Cell Walls Using Quasi-Static Nanoindentation

Tiancheng Yuan,Xinzhou Wang,Xiaorong Liu,Yanjun Li,Youming Dong

doi:10.3390/f12121742

Abstract

In this paper, quasi-static nanoindentation was applied for investigating the influence of superheated steam on microstructure and micromechanical properties of Moso bamboo cell walls. The changes of mico-morphology, chemical composition, cellulose crystallinity index, micro-mechanical properties of bamboo were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nanoindentation. As expected, the content of hemicellulose and cellulose showed a downward trend, whereas the relative lignin content increased. Elastic modulus and hardness of the cell wall increased compared with that of the untreated sample. The elastic modulus and hardness of bamboo increased from 11.5 GPa to 19.5 GPa and from 0.35 GPa to 0.59 GPa. Furthermore, results showed that the creep resistance positively correlated to treatment severity.

Highlights

Due to high yield, sustainability, rapid growth, adaptability, and great mechanical properties, Moso bamboo has been considered as an important economic in China [1,2]
To be specific, when the Mass treatment temperature is at 160 ◦ C, there is no significant change of mass loss in Figure 2topresents the results of mass loss of the moso bambooseverity after superheated steam comparison no treatment (p > 0.05)
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the parenchyma cell distorted due to the pressure of superheated steam and decomposition of chemical composition in the cell wall

Summary

Introduction

Sustainability, rapid growth, adaptability, and great mechanical properties, Moso bamboo has been considered as an important economic in China [1,2]. Multiple products such as bamboo plywood, bamboo scriber, bamboo plastic composites, and wood-bamboo composite lose their natural appearance [3,4]. When compared to existing bamboo-based goods, natural bamboo culms are becoming one of the most promising non-conventional sustainable construction materials. Improving the mechanical properties and resistance to fungi is essential for moving toward an increasing outdoor utilization of bamboo culms [5]. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations

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Conclusion