Bamboo and its products are widely used in indoor and outdoor fields. Photodegradation occurs easily on the surface when bamboo is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from solar radiation. This induces surface discoloration and degrades the physical properties of bamboo, which not only negatively affects its utility and aesthetic characteristics but also restricts its application in outdoor environments. In this work, we review the mechanism of bamboo photodegradation, in which the behavior of lignin is key. The changes in bamboo's microstructure, surface color, and chemical composition during photodegradation are described in detail. Methods for enhancing its photostability, including the application of transparent coatings containing UV absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizer compounds on bamboo surfaces, are then systematically summarized, and potential approaches to combat the photodegradation of bamboo surfaces are discussed. On the basis of the recent advances of photodegradation and photostability of bamboo, this review provides new insights into the scientific application and protection of bamboo in the outdoor field.
© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.