Search Results (2)

This study investigated the effects of thermal modification treatment on flattened bamboo lumber by using temperature (180 °C, 190 °C, 200 °C) and duration (2, 3, 4 h) as experimental variables. The physicochemical properties, crystallinity, bending deformation, chemical composition, and microstructural evolution of the material before and after treatment were systematically analyzed using universal mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nanoindentation. This comprehensive approach aimed to achieve high-performance flattened bamboo lumber. The results revealed that thermal modification significantly reduced the flexural modulus of elasticity and hardness of the flattened bamboo lumber, which reached their minimum values of 4479 MPa and 786.71 N, under the treatment at 190 °C/3 h. Conversely, it enhanced the longitudinal compressive strength of flattened bamboo lumber, achieving a maximum value of 57.28 MPa at 180 °C/2 h. At the microscale, the nanomechanical strength decreased under 190–200 °C treatments, accompanied by a tighter cell arrangement and evident shrinkage and deformation of the parenchyma cells. Dimensional stability tests combined with FTIR and crystallinity analyses demonstrated a reduction in the number of hydrophilic groups and improved dimensional stability after thermal modification. Notably, the material treated at 200 °C for 4 h retained its dimensional stability and exhibited no deformation. Full article

Controlling the variability in mat structure and properties in bamboo scrimber (BS) is key to producing the product for structural applications, and wide strip scrimber (WBS) is an effective approach. In this study, the effects of scrimmed bamboo bundle morphology and product density on the properties of WBS were investigated. WBS panels were manufactured and tested using wide (200 to 250 mm) bamboo strips with different fiberization intensity. Maximum strength properties (flexural, compressive, and shear strength), and lowest thickness swelling and water absorption were achieved with three or four passes due to the higher resin absorption by strips. For balanced product cost and performance, we recommend 1–2 fiberization passes and a panel density of 0.9–1.0 g/cm³. Panel mechanical properties were compared with other common bamboo composites. Bamboo scrimber products were highly variable in properties due to differing manufacturing processes, element treatments, and suboptimal mat structure. Products including laminated bamboo lumber and flattened bamboo made from nonfiberized elements show markedly different relationships between strength and elastic properties mostly due to inadequate bonding between the laminae, which causes premature bond-line failure. This study helped improve the understanding of the structure–property relationship of engineered bamboo products while providing insights into process optimization. Full article