Effect of high-temperature saturated steam treatment on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of moso bamboo

Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys heterocycla ( Carr .) Mitford cv. Pubescens) was subjected to heat treatment with saturated steam at 140, 160, and 180 °C for 10–30 min to evaluate the effects of the treatment on the properties of bamboo. The changes in the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties as well as microscopic structures of moso bamboo were analyzed in this study. Results indicated that its equilibrium moisture content (EMC) decreased gradually after being treated by high-temperature saturated steam mostly due to the hemicelluloses’ degradation. Both the temperature and duration of treatment affect the mechanical properties of bamboo. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) of bamboo was prone to be affected by heat treatment with saturated steam as compared to the modulus of rupture (MOR). The MOR and MOE increased as compared to the control when the sample was treated at 140 °C. However, a severe treatment negatively affects the mechanical properties of bamboo. The MOR and MOE decreased by 47% and 20% as compared to the control when the sample was heated at 180 °C for 30 min.