Fabrication, material properties, and application of bamboo scrimber

In this study, mechanical fluffing, thermal treatment, and phenol formaldehyde (PF) impregnation, as well as cold-in and cold-out hot-pressing processes, were used to fabricate bamboo scrimbers. The water absorption, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties of the bamboo scrimbers were determined. The bamboo scrimber made from bamboo bundles processed at 180 °C hot dry air treatment combined with 18 % PF resin loading showed good technological properties. This bamboo scrimber had improved water absorption, as well as thickness and width swelling behavior, which is favorable for application to outdoor landscaping, exterior decoration, and garden furniture. The bamboo scrimber made from bamboo bundles processed at 0.35 MPa saturated steam treatment showed excellent mechanical strength, which is favorable for structural application.