Effect of outdoor exposure on some properties of resin-treated plybamboo

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate some of the physical and mechanical properties of resin-treated plywood type panels manufactured from bamboo strips (Gigantochloa scortechinii). Experimental plybamboo samples were made from low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LMwPF) treated bamboo strips. They were exposed to outdoor condition ranging from 1 to 12 months. Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), compression strength, and surface roughness of treated and untreated samples were evaluated. Resin impregnated samples had the highest bending and compression strength properties. While the untreated samples failed after 3-month of outdoor exposure. Treated specimens exposed for 12-month had the MOE, MOR, and compression strength values of 14,253 N/mm², 101.3 N/mm², and 34.63 N/mm², respectively. Surface quality of both treated and untreated samples was adversely influenced as the function of outdoor exposure time, based on numerical values obtained from a stylus type equipment. Overall properties of treated samples tested in work resulted in higher values than those of untreated samples. It appears that resin impregnation could be considered as an alternative method to enhance the characteristics of plybamboo exposed to environmental conditions as can be concluded from the results of this study.