Banca de DEFESA: LEO MAIA DO AMARAL

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DENDROCALAMUS ASPER BAMBOOS AFTER APPLICATION OF DRYING AND WETTING CYCLES

hornification, moisture content, physical properties, chemical properties, mechanical properties.

The search for sustainable alternatives in the construction industry is becoming increasingly necessary, given the high environmental impact caused by the consumption of non-renewable resources and the production of materials such as steel and cement. Bamboo can be a viable option for its use in construction, covering environmental aspects such as carbon consumption, recovery of degraded areas and reforestation; social and economic aspects, promoting the development of peripheral areas; and having physical and mechanical properties that make it a material of high efficiency and resistance. Despite the potential, bamboo is still not used frequently in Brazil due to the lack of technical standards and construction procedures that guarantee a safe use of it. Also, it requires further studies related to its natural properties and its relation with natural agents, moisture content variation, insolation, among others, to guarantee durability and safety to the structure. Given the hygroscopic nature of bamboo and the decrease of its resistance when its moisture content increases, this research evaluated the effects of hornification on bamboo – generated through application of drying and rewetting cycles – on physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the culm, and also assessed its water retention and absorption capacities after the treatment, in order to reduce the hygroscopicity of the material, and consequently, reduce variations on dimensional properties and resistance capacity. It was found that the hornification increased the dimensional stability of bamboo, although a reduction in the water absorption capacity was not verified. There was maintenance of the elastic modulus and a slight reduction in tensile strength. Chemical analysis and microscopy did not show significant changes in bamboo composition after the application of wetting and drying cycles.