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Water-based ultrasonic pretreatment enhances moso bamboo dimensional stability and mildew resistance

Summary

Researchers found that treating bamboo with ultrasonic waves in water can make it more resistant to mould and mildew, while also helping it maintain its shape better in humid environments. This green treatment method works by breaking down nutrients that mould needs to grow and restructuring the bamboo’s cell walls to make them stronger. The treatment is chemical-free and energy-efficient, making it a promising alternative to traditional bamboo preservation methods.

Background

Bamboo is susceptible to mould and dimensional instability under humid conditions, limiting its durability in practical applications. Conventional modification methods often require toxic chemicals or high energy input. Water-based ultrasonic pretreatment presents a potential green alternative.

Objective

To systematically investigate whether water-based ultrasonic pretreatment could improve moso bamboo’s dimensional stability and mildew resistance by altering microstructure and physicochemical properties across treatment durations of 0-60 minutes.

Results

Ultrasonic pretreatment increased mass loss by 0.2-0.8%, reduced extractive content by 6-7%, decreased density by 0.02-0.06 g/cm³, and caused pit membrane rupture and cell wall thinning. Cellulose crystallinity increased by 8.4% and microfibril angle decreased by 1.8% at 10 minutes. Radial swelling reduced by 0.2% despite slightly higher moisture uptake. Mould infection decreased by approximately 20% for A. niger and 83% for P. citrinum.

Conclusion

Water-based ultrasonic pretreatment effectively enhanced moso bamboo’s dimensional stability and mildew resistance through cavitation-induced microstructural changes, extractive removal, and cellulose reorganization. The method offers a green, non-chemical alternative to conventional treatments, with potential for combination with other modification strategies.
  • Published in:Ultrasonics Sonochemistry,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107621; PMID: 41101093
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