Thermal treatment of bamboo with flame: influence on the mechanical characteristics

The mechanical properties of bamboo are susceptible to degradation due to both physical and biological agents. Among the non-chemical treatments, we studied the influence of a short-time heat treatment, using an LPG-gas torch, on the mechanical properties of a bamboo (Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens) growing in Italy. The response was very encouraging as we found no significant reduction in either elastic modulus or tensile, compressive and bending strength.

Several samples were subject to tension, compression and bending tests to compare the responses of the treated and untreated culms. The average tensile elastic modulus was slightly greater for the untreated culms. The average tensile strength of the untreated culms was only slightly greater, and the differences can be assumed to be insignificant from a structural point of view. The average value of the treated culms compressive elastic modulus was slightly greater than that of the untreated ones. The compressive strength was essentially the same. The bending mechanical behaviour was barely influenced by the thermal treatment.

A microscopic investigation (optical and electron microscopy) was undertaken to investigate the possible deterioration of the bamboo microstructure due to the heat treatment. No appreciable damage was detectable in the treated material.

The proposed heat treatments can be considered as a reliable and sustainable protection practice for bamboo culms.