MANUFACTURE OF BINDERLESS FIBERBOARD MADE FROM BAMBOO PROCESSING RESIDUES BY STEAM EXPLOSION PRETREATMENT

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the properties of binderless manufactured from bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. pubescens) processing residues by steam explosion treatment. In particular, the effect of steam explosion retention time on fiber morphology, chemical composition and the properties of the boards was studied. The bamboo fibers were separated by steam explosion fully, and the hemicellulose degradation products and lignin were liberated from the fibers by steam explosion treatment and accumulated on the surface of the fibers, which contributed to the bond formation in the boards. The board properties evaluated were modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (TB), thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA). The boards made from fibers treated under 180 s retention time exhibited the highest MOR value of 15.9 MPa. All boards passed the Japanese Industrial Standard A 59052003 for TB values except for the board made with fibers underwent extraction with hot water and hot-grind bamboo fibers. By increasing the retention time from 60 to 180 s, the thickness swelling was reduced by 73 %, and the water absorption decreased by 44 % respectively. In accordance with BS EN 622-5-2006, only the boards 3.0/120 and 3.0/180 matched the all requirementsfor ultra-light medium density (MDF) boards for use in dry conditions.