Effect of Microwave Treatment on Density of Gigantochloa Scortechinii (Semantan) Bamboo Strips

摘要

This study evaluated the effect of microwave treatment on density ofGigantochloa scortechinii (Semantan) bamboo strips. Gigantochloa scortechinii bamboo specimens were subjected to microwave radiation with varying power intensities and durations. Six combinations of power intensities and time were used in this study. After the microwave treatment, oven-dry density of the bamboo specimens was determined in accordance with ASTM D 2395-93 and comparison was made with untreated specimens. The results in general showed that density increased when exposing bamboo to microwave fields of varying intensities. Microwave combinations of 500 watts and 6 minutes exposure time was found having the greatest effect on bamboo intemodes with density increase of about 23.3%. At medium power intensity (430 watts), increasing exposure time from 6 minutes to 10 minutes generally increased bamboo intemodes density by 11.6%. However, at medium-high power intensity (500 watts), increasing exposure time did not contribute to larger percentage of density increase.