Effect of high-temperature saturated steam treatment on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of moso bamboo

Xinzhou Wang,Bin Xu,Xingyu Liang,Lulu Song,Xianai Huang,Wenli Gu,Yanjun Li,Dali Cheng

doi:10.1186/s10086-020-01899-8

Abstract

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla (Carr.) Mitford cv. Pubescens) was subjected to heat treatment with saturated steam at 140, 160, and 180 °C for 10–30 min to evaluate the effects of the treatment on the properties of bamboo. The changes in the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties as well as microscopic structures of moso bamboo were analyzed in this study. Results indicated that its equilibrium moisture content (EMC) decreased gradually after being treated by high-temperature saturated steam mostly due to the hemicelluloses’ degradation. Both the temperature and duration of treatment affect the mechanical properties of bamboo. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) of bamboo was prone to be affected by heat treatment with saturated steam as compared to the modulus of rupture (MOR). The MOR and MOE increased as compared to the control when the sample was treated at 140 °C. However, a severe treatment negatively affects the mechanical properties of bamboo. The MOR and MOE decreased by 47% and 20% as compared to the control when the sample was heated at 180 °C for 30 min.

Highlights

Due to its short growth and renewal cycles and great mechanical strength, bamboo has been deemed as a promising wood substitute [1, 2]
As the temperature of steam increased to 160 °C, the parenchyma cells in the bamboo culm shrinked and the volume of cellular became smaller, which may be resulted from the external high pressure on the soften cells
As the bamboo culm was treated at 180 °C for a long duration, e.g., 180 °C/30 min, the structure of parenchyma cell wall has been changed a lot and the parenchyma cells almost separated from vascular bundles, which may attributed to the external high pressure and the degradation of cell-wall materials

Summary

Introduction

Due to its short growth and renewal cycles and great mechanical strength, bamboo has been deemed as a promising wood substitute [1, 2]. Bamboo-based panels such as laminated bamboo lumber and bamboo scrimber have been rapidly used in the field of interior decoration and constructions [3,4,5,6]. The bamboo-based panel especially bamboo scrimber has lost the natural appearance of bamboo. Bamboo in its natural form (culms or poles) is becoming one of the promising non-conventional sustainable building materials for the coming decades [7]. In comparison with bamboo-based panels, the pristine bamboo culm is prone to be affected by moisture, ultraviolet light, and fungi, which may restrict its application for outdoor use.

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Results

Conclusion