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

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.