Mechanical, hardness and surface properties of zirconia and tung oil-treated bamboo subjected to elevated temperatures

Bamboo is one of the most promising materials for various applications that support our sustainability drive. However, some naturally inherent features, such as poor heat resistance and durability, need to be addressed. Common available treatments influence the bamboo properties significantly as they treat the bulk of the bamboo. Effective thin coating solutions have not been considered sufficiently. Hence, this study investigated the improvements in the mechanical, hardness, and surface properties of bamboo treated with zirconia and tung oil. Specimens were soaked in tung oil, with concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/ml of zirconia. A colourimeter and scanning electron microscope were used to visualise the colour and microstructural changes, respectively. Mechanical tests resulted in an average modulus of rupture reduction from 119.9 MPa to 85.9 and 4.1 MPa for the 0.6 g/ml of zirconia with tung oil treatment samples at 160°C and 300°C, respectively. The modulus of elasticity was slightly reduced from 2951 to 2344 MPa after the 160°C heat treatment. The ultimate tensile stress reduced from 96.8 to 57.1 MPa when subjected to 160°C. Finally, hardness measurements on the surfaces of the samples indicated that the coating was effective in protecting the bamboo from the heat.