Temperature effect on the physical and mechanical properties of parallel strand bamboo

This study sets out to assess the temperature effect on the physical and mechanical properties of parallel strand bamboo (PSB). Seventeen temperature levels, in the range of 20 degrees C to 290 degrees C, were considered. Results indicated that a high temperature led to a reduction in compressive strength and modulus. The reduction is associated with the glass transition and thermal decomposition of the chemical compositions in bamboo. Due to the higher crystallinity of cellulose at high temperatures between 150 degrees C and 190 degrees C, a rising in the compressive modulus parallel-to-grain was observed. The temperature effect on the mechanical properties of PSB was further supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Statistical regression-based models were developed for predicting the reduction of compressive strength and modulus of PSB with exposure temperature. The models provided a good fit to the experimental data. Comparison with that of bamboo scrimber and timber structures in literature was also presented in this study.