Effect of accelerated aging on some physical and mechanical properties of bamboo

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of accelerated aging on compression strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, color change, volumetric swelling, and volumetric shrinkage of bamboo specimens with and without node sections. In the study, these properties were compared with those of Scots pine and beech wood specimens. Depending on bamboo sections, the aging procedure reduced modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and compression strength. Bamboo specimens showed relatively high strength properties compared to wood specimens due to having high density. Strength properties increased from bottom to top of bamboo culms. The presence of nodes in the specimens reduced compression strength and modulus of rupture but affected modulus of elasticity slightly. Remarkable color changes in specimens were observed after aging. Volumetric swelling and shrinkage of bamboo specimens exposed to aging decreased probably due to heat effect of aging procedure.