Thermal Treatment of Bamboo with Flame: Influence on the Mechanical Characteristics

The mechanical properties of bamboo are susceptible to degradation due to both physical and biological agents. Among the non-chemical treatments, we studied the influence of a short-time heat treatment, using an LPG-gas torch, on the mechanical properties of a bamboo (Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens) growing in Italy. The response was very encouraging as we found no significant reduction in either elastic modulus or tensile, compressive and bending strength.