image: Hydrothermal Aging of Moso Bamboo: Degradation Mechanisms and Storage Life Prediction
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The fluctuations of storage temperature and humidity detrimentally affect the bamboo quality and longevity, making it crucial to investigate. Herein, we explored the physical and mechanical properties of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) subjected to 100-day moist heat cycling aging (MHCA-1: transitioning from low-temperature/high-humidity to high-temperature/low-humidity; MHCA-2: transitioning from low-temperature/low-humidity to high-temperature/high-humidity; CHT: 25 °C-constant temperature and 60% relative humidity) alongside a control group. Employing a multiscale characterization and Random Forest (RF) modeling, we evaluated the impacts of temperature and humidity fluctuations on the bamboo quality, and the influence mechanism of storage conditions on its physical and mechanical properties were elucidated. Results indicated that elevated temperature and humidity led to remarkable fluctuation in bamboo moisture (from –20.36% to 32.99%), weight gain (from –32.69% to 6.19%), and dimensional expansion (from –5.37% to 2.38%). Conversely, high-temperature and low-humidity drying conditions resulted in moisture loss and dimensional shrinkage. Total color difference (TCD) of bamboo cortex followed the order: MHCA-2 (7.46) < CHT (12.24) < MHCA-1 (20.10) < control (22.63). The TCD of bamboo pith positively was related with storage temperature. Periodic moist heat aging induced the permanent deformation in bamboo, reducing its elastic modulus by 30.05%–43.79%. Under moist heat aging conditions, the characteristic hemicellulose functional groups, including hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C=O), ether (C–O–C), and aromatic C=C moieties exhibited remarkable structural modifications, i.e., peak weakening, shifting, or morphological alterations in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Additionally, these conditions elevated the thermal decomposition onset temperature of cellulose while decreasing its peak intensity. Overall, the RF modeling approach demonstrated a high accuracy in predicting bamboo behavior under varying moisture-heat conditions. It improved bamboo storage and recycling by supporting sorting and grading with reliable long-term data.
Credit: International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Key Laboratory of NFGA/Beijing for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology, Beijing 100102, China
As the global community searches for alternatives to plastics, bamboo has attracted widespread attention for its renewability, high strength, and biodegradability. However, its sensitivity to temperature and humidity during storage and service life has long posed challenges for reliable use in construction, furniture, and consumer products.
A new study, titled “Hydrothermal Aging of Moso Bamboo: Degradation Mechanisms and Storage Life Prediction,” published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, provides critical insights into how Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) degrades under fluctuating hygrothermal conditions. The research, conducted by Hao Jia, Wenhui Su, Bin Huang, and colleagues, systematically explored the effects of moist heat cycling over 100 days on the material’s physical, mechanical, and chemical stability.
The team designed four simulated storage environments: two moist heat cycling regimes, a constant temperature–humidity condition, and a warehouse control. Results revealed that moisture absorption and desorption cycles cause dramatic fluctuations in bamboo’s mass, dimensions, and appearance. Under high humidity, bamboo swelled and darkened due to chemical and microbial processes, while low humidity accelerated shrinkage and cracking. The elastic modulus declined by up to 44%, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed significant changes in hemicellulose and lignin structures, signaling chemical degradation at the molecular level.
Notably, the study integrated machine learning for predictive analysis. By applying a Random Forest (RF) model to thousands of experimental datapoints, researchers achieved over 92% accuracy in forecasting changes in compressive strength and color difference under different environmental conditions. The model identified cellulose crystallinity and dimensional stability as the strongest predictors of mechanical deterioration. This pioneering use of AI for bamboo storage quality opens new possibilities for intelligent warehouse management, optimized stock rotation, and extended service life.
The authors argue that current storage practices often fail to prevent degradation, emphasizing the need for climate-controlled solutions. Their findings provide a scientific foundation for bamboo storage standards and highlight data-driven approaches to managing material performance. Beyond immediate applications, this research underscores bamboo’s potential as a green substitute for plastics, aligning material innovation with sustainability goals.
As demand for durable and eco-friendly materials rises, these insights are expected to inform industry practices, from manufacturing to construction, ensuring bamboo products maintain performance and longevity across diverse environments.
See the article:
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2025.09.002
Original Source URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969825000623
Journal
Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts
Journal
Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Hydrothermal Aging of Moso Bamboo: Degradation Mechanisms and Storage Life Prediction
Article Publication Date
15-Sep-2025