Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the hygroscopic characteristics of three typical bamboo engineering composites (Bamboo scrimber (BS), bamboo bundle/wood laminated veneer lumber (BLVL), and bamboo laminated timber (BLT)) as well as predict their performance changes and service life in hot humid environments. The composites were subjected to three treatment conditions (23 °C, 63 °C, and 100 °C) for this experiment. The hygroscopic thickness swelling model and Fick’s second law were used to quantify the characterization and prediction of the water absorption, thickness swelling rate, and water absorption rate of BS, BLVL, and BLT. The results indicated that the order of the hygroscopic thickness swelling coefficient KSR and the diffusion coefficient D was BLT > BLVL > BS (at 23 °C and 63 °C). The optimal dimensional stability was displayed by BS, followed by BLVL and BLT. In addition to the hygroscopic properties, elastic modulus degradation was investigated. It was observed that the elastic modulus (MOR) degradation had a linear relationship with the aging temperature. After 152 h of the hydrothermal aging test (63 °C), the MOE of BS, BLVL, and BLT degraded by 44.33%, 53.89%, and 25.83%, respectively.
Highlights
Bamboo is one of the most prominent renewable biomass resources in the world.The bamboo-engineering composites represented in this study are bamboo scrimber (BS), bamboo laminated timber (BLT), and bamboo bundle/wood veneer lumber (BLVL) which are favored by consumers in China where they are widely used in construction, outdoor flooring, furniture, and transportation [1,2,3]
The hygroscopic thickness swelling of natural fiber composites is related to the initial thickness of the board
The thickness swelling rate can be regarded as a function of the thickness variation of the material
Summary
Bamboo is one of the most prominent renewable biomass resources in the world.The bamboo-engineering composites represented in this study are bamboo scrimber (BS), bamboo laminated timber (BLT), and bamboo bundle/wood veneer lumber (BLVL) which are favored by consumers in China where they are widely used in construction, outdoor flooring, furniture, and transportation [1,2,3]. Bamboo contains various tiny voids that make up its pore structure and its chemical composition which contains a large number of polar hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl groups and amino groups [4,5,6], which will cause it to absorb moisture from the ambient environment. With regard to the biomass composites, the difference in damp heat sensitivity between pores, fibers, and resin matrix cause swelling in the matrix and fiber, which generates internal stress and the growth of microcracks along the interface, leading to dimensional instability and mechanical property degradation of the composites [7,8,9,10]. It is essential to examine the hygroscopic properties of bamboo engineering composites in a hydrothermal environment and understand their performance changes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
