Influence of a Novel Mold Inhibitor on Mechanical Properties and Water Repellency of Bamboo Fiber-based Composites

Effects of a novel mold inhibitor specifically for bamboo, on the properties of composite products have been confirmed in this study. The mechanical and dimensional stability properties of bamboo fiber-based composites (BFBCs) from different bamboo species were also investigated. The results showed that Burmanica Gamble possessed the highest values of modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 33.2 GPa, modulus of rupture (MOR) of 286.9 MPa, compressive strength of 182.6 MPa and shear strength of 24.0 MPa. By contrast, Phyllostochys heterocycla among all of species showed the lowest MOE of 16.3 GPa, MOR of 170.3 MPa and compressive strength of 128.9 MPa were the lowest among all of species. Moreover, there is a remarkable variation in the swelling and water absorption between the samples with 4 h and 28 h water immersion treatment, especially Phyllostachys iridenscens. Overall, the results suggested that TCIT (Tebuconazole and 3(2H)-isothiazolone) had no significant effect on the mechanical properties compared with the control condition, and it would be utilized as an antimould of BFBCs manufacturing.