Project/activity information

This 4-year project will research the use of chemicals to improve bamboo dimensional stability and resistance to biodegradation. The research work will focus on five selected species from Southeast Asia (Bambusa sinospinosa, Phylostachys pubescents, Phlostachys bambusoides, Pseudosasa amabilis, Sinocalamus latiflorus). Laboratory research work and field weathering tests will be preceded by a comprehensive literature survey and by study tours to selected overseas research institutes with recognized knowledge and experience on chemical modification of wood and wood materials. The project will prepare a technical report on chemically modified bamboos, with information on the selected chemicals and their effects, modification processes, properties of modified bamboos under various conditions, and potential industrial applications of the various chemical treatments and modified bamboos.