Multifunctional bamboo composites enabled by dendritic polymer-water bonding networks

This study develops a bamboo modification strategy using a poly(ethylene glycol) dendrimer (PEGD)-phenylboronic acid (PBA) network to mitigate moisture-driven degradation. The PEGD-PBA system, synthesized via sequential Michael addition and thiol-ene click reactions, forms a dynamic 3D network within bamboo xylem, effectively suppressing hygroscopic behavior. Low-field NMR coupled with hydroxyl peak deconvolution analysis confirmed reduced free/bound water distribution in modified bamboo. The material achieves 100 % inhibition of Aspergillus niger growth (20 × enhanced mildew resistance) and retains high mechanical strength (150 MPa tensile strength) while resisting hygroscopic expansion. Simultaneous flame retardancy enhancement demonstrates a multifunctional platform for durable, fire-resistant bamboo. This molecular engineering approach addresses bamboo’s intrinsic vulnerabilities, advancing its utility in sustainable structural applications. • Novel dendritic network design enables simultaneous enhancement of mechanical, antifungal, and flame-retardant properties • Convergence of low-field NMR and hydroxyl deconvolution techniques unravels hygroscopic hydrogen-bond reorganization in bamboo. • Multiscale model linking molecular interactions to macroscopic behavior sets a new paradigm for biomaterial modification.