Alex Surya Kaban, Wahyu Solafide Sipahutar, Tarmizi Taher, Fajar Paundra, Rahma Nur Komariah, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis, Sena Maulana
Bamboo offers a promising alternative to wood, owing to its plentiful supply and advantageous mechanical attributes. However, its compact dimensions and high content of hemicellulose and extractive substances pose challenges in terms of high hygroscopicity and susceptibility to deteriorative factors, necessitating its transformation into ply-bamboo composites. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of steam treatment in improving ply-bamboo's physical and mechanical properties though elevated temperatures might weaken the bamboo's innate strength. Therefore, a deeper exploration into the effects of a modified steam treatment protocol on ply-bamboo's properties is justified. The current study uses black bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea), subjecting it to steam treatment at 126?°C for varied durations (30, 45, and 60 minutes). The subsequent ply-bamboo, with dimensions of 30 × 30 × 1.5?cm³, was tested for specific properties in line with ASTM D 143:2014 and JAS 234:2003. These included physical properties like moisture content, density, thickness swelling, water absorption, and delamination, as well as mechanical attributes, such as the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity. The findings of this study underscore the considerable enhancement of ply-bamboo's physical and mechanical features upon undergoing steam treatment at 126?°C. © 2025 Author(s).
Department of Forestry Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Lampung, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Material Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Lampung, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Lampung, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Machinanical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Lampung, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, 16911, Indonesia