Title
Effect of steam treatment on the properties of Phyllostachys iridescens bamboo composite
Authors
YAMEI ZHANG RONGXIAN ZHU and WENJI YU

Received November 21, 2014
Published Volume 51 Issue 1-2 January-February
Keywords oriented bamboo fiber mat (OBFM), bamboo fiber reinforced composite (BFRC), steam treatment, dimensional stability, mechanical property

Abstract
The objective of this paper was to propose a heat treatment method to change the surface color of a bamboo fiber reinforced composite (BFRC) and improve its dimensional stability. Oriented bamboo fiber mats (OBFMs) were heat-treated at 0.35, 0.40 and 0.45MPa steam pressures, respectively, for 140 min, and then used to make BFRC. The chemical composition, water extractives and pH value of OBFM, as well as the surface color, dimensional stability, mechanical properties of BFRC were studied. The results pointed out that the heat treatment can significantly change the surface color of the BFRC, as the board surface became darker. The dimensional stability of the BFRC was improved by reducing thickness swelling and wideness swelling. The mechanical properties were affected by a reduction in modulus of rupture (MOR), while an increase in the modulus of elasticity (MOE) was also observed. Chemical degradation occurred, mainly in relation to hemicelluloses contents, which is the main reason for the dimensional stability and reduction in MOR. The pH value decreased significantly, while the water extractive content increased, compared with the control sample. So, steam treatment can be a recommended method to improve the BFRC performance.