The effect of thermo-mechanical treatment of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys Pubescens) on its sorption and physicomechanical properties

Przemysław Mania,Magdalena Zborowska,Jerzy Majka

doi:10.5552/drvind.2019.1847

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine some properties of heat-treated (200 °C) and densified (treated) bamboo. Density (ρ), equilibrium moisture content (EMC), sorption hysteresis (H), swelling (S), and Brinell hardness (HB) were examined and compared with untreated bamboo (Phyllostachys sp.) and common oak (Quercus robur L.). The density of heat-treated bamboo (ρ = 1170 kg/m3) was higher than that of untreated bamboo (ρ = 850 kg/m3) and oak wood (ρ = 670 kg/m3). The sorption isotherms were parameterized with the Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer (GAB) model. Treated bamboo showed lower EMC than untreated bamboo and oak wood in the entire hygroscopic range. The swelling anisotropy index of treated bamboo was the lowest (1.09). The mean HB of treated bamboo (HB=132 MPa) was significantly higher than that of oak and untreated bamboo.

Highlights

IntroductionThe suitability of a given type of wood for flooring is determined by high stability of dimensions, limited hygroscopicity, high density and hardness (Tsoumis, 1991)
In order to reduce the effect of hygroscopicity on the above properties, bamboo is subjected to thermal treatment, which changes its physical properties, e.g. may lead to a 50 % increase in dimensional stability, and mechanical properties (Bekhta and Niemz, 2003; Esteves and Pereira, 2008)
According to the results presented and discussed above, untreated bamboo can satisfactorily replace oak wood for flooring production as the properties of these two types of wood are similar

Summary

Introduction

The suitability of a given type of wood for flooring is determined by high stability of dimensions, limited hygroscopicity, high density and hardness (Tsoumis, 1991). Among exotic species, those most often mentioned as suitable for flooring include: African mahogany Chev.), iroko (Milicia excels Welw.), merbau (Intsia bijuga Kuntze.), sucupira (Diplotropis purpura Sprague), jatoba (Hymenea courbaril Linn.) Wood of these species shows very good mechanical properties and high resistance to adverse effects of outside factors (e.g. biotic ones). The aim of the study is to determine the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo and oak wood and compare these properties with those of bamboo subjected to thermal treatment and densification

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion