Bamboo scrimber is a new type of bamboo-based panel that is prone to be affected by biological and service environments under outdoor conditions. In this paper, the physical and mechanical performance and the microchemical and surface properties of untreated and hot-oil-treated bamboo scrimber were analyzed to illustrate the processing mechanism of scrimber. Methyl silicone oil treatment was carried out at 120, 140, and 160 °C for 2, 4, and 6 h. The density, mechanical properties, air-dried moisture content, surface morphology, chemical structure, swelling properties, color, and contact angle of the bamboo scrimber were analyzed to evaluate the treatment effectiveness. Observation of the environmental-scanning electron microscope indicated that the glue layer of the bamboo scrimber was not significantly damaged after hot oil treatment. At low temperatures, the mechanical properties did not change significantly. Infrared-spectrum analysis showed a significant decrease in mechanical properties at higher temperatures and longer treatment time for the degradation of hemicellulose. The contact angle test and swelling properties test showed that the hot oil treatment improved the dimensional stability and reduced the wettability on the surface of the bamboo scrimber. The above analysis results show that the treatment at 140 °C for 2 h is most effective.
Keywords: bamboo scrimber; dimensional stability; hot oil treatment; mechanical properties.