Equilibrium Moisture Content and Dimensional Stability of Flattened Bamboo Softened by High Temperature Saturated Steam

In order to explore the water content, maintenance and balancing, and storage of flattened bamboo for the purpose of theoretical guidance to manufacture, the equilibrium moisture content in the absorption and desorption process of flattened bamboo softened by saturated steam at different temperature, and their volume shrinkage and expansion rates have been investigated. The results showed that (1) with the coordination effect of high temperature saturated steam softening and flattening influence, the equilibrium moisture content in the absorption and desorption process of flattened bamboo were significantly lower than that of wood counterparts under the same conditions. The optimal equilibrium moisture content of flattened bamboo softened at 160℃ and 180℃ was 65.17% and 62.40%, respectively, when in good ventilated condition, the appropriate time for curing and maintenance of bamboo material was set at 250-350 h; (2) equilibrium moisture content in the absorption and desorption process of bamboo flattening at 180℃ was higher than that at 160℃, the higher softening temperature, the lower equilibrium moisture content in the absorption and desorption process of the flattened bamboo; (3) volume shrinkage and expansion rates of flattened bamboo softened by saturated steam at 180℃ were lower than that of softened at 160℃, which demonstrated that high softening temperature contribute to the better dimensional stability.