Effects of flexural configuration and thermal modification on the physical and flexural properties of makino bamboo (Phyllostachys makinoi)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effects of thermal modification and flexural configuration on the physical and flexural properties of makino bamboo (Phyllostachys makinoi) with various density ranges were investigated. The density and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of bamboo significantly decreased with increasing treatment temperature from 140°C to 220°C. Simultaneously, the modulus of rupture (MOR) and ductility factor (DF) of thermally modified bamboo showed a declining trend. In the flexural test, loading on the outer side in tension (OT) and loading on the outer side in compression (OC) of the bamboo specimens were applied using different flexural configurations. The MOR of the nontreated OC specimen (MOROC) was higher than that of the nontreated OT specimen (MOROT), while the MOROC of the 220°C-treated specimen was lower than the MOROT. Additionally, the nontreated OT specimen showed a higher DF than the nontreated OC specimen. Despite the density range and flexural configuration, the DF of the thermally modified specimen decreased when the treatment temperature increased above 140°C. However, the modulus of elasticity exhibited no significant differences among all the specimens under different treatment temperatures and flexural configurations.