Enhanced mechanism of physical and mechanical properties of bamboo scrimber prepared by roller-pressing impregnation method

Bamboo Scrimber, as a green and environmentally friendly biomass material, offers advantages such as high resource utilization, high strength, and high added value to products. However, the traditional preparation method for bamboo scrimber(T-BS), which utilizes the traditional cage impregnation method, results in uneven Phenol-Formaldehyde(PF) resin distribution to the oriented bamboo fiber mats(OBFMs). This unevenness can lead to defects such as cracking and deformation in bamboo scrimber products during application. This study employs roller-pressing impregnation technology to prepare bamboo scrimber(R-BS) and investigates the mechanisms by which this process affects the physical properties of bamboo scrimber. By observing the surface morphology, microstructure, resin distribution of OBFMs and surface chemical composition, surface wettability, water resistance, and mechanical properties of bamboo scrimber, the mechanism of the effect of the roller impregnation method on bamboo scrimber is revealed. The results show that, compared to traditional methods, roller-pressing impregnation technology enhances the uniformity of resin distribution and penetration depth within the OBFMs, thereby effectively improving the surface properties of bamboo scrimber. Additionally, this method reduces the average pore size on the surface of bamboo scrimber by 14.87 %, increases the contact angle by 30.92 %, and decreases the water absorption rate (WAR) and thickness swelling rate (TSR) by 13.76 % and 17.67 %, respectively. Furthermore, it enhances MOR by 8.69 % and hardness by 10.33 %. This study offers a reference for optimizing the preparation process of bamboo scrimber and the continuous production of the OBFMs impregnation process. • Roller pressing impregnation (RPI) improves Bamboo scrimber's dimensional stability. • The more uniform mechanical properties of bamboo scrimber was caused by RPI. • Enhanced mechanism of RPI on the properties of bamboo scrimber was investigated. • RPI offers a new approach for the continuous production of bamboo scrimber.