Residual properties of reformed bamboo/aluminium laminates after hygrothermal aging

Following our previous studies on bulk mechanical, interlaminar and static indentation/impact properties in dry conditions, the effects of exposure to various combinations of temperature and humidity on the mechanical respons e of reformed bamboo/aluminum laminates have been evaluated. The moisture a bsorption phenomenon of the reformed bamboo was studied in comparison with natural bamboo with and without a protective edge coating. It is shown that protection of the laminate edge with an appropriate polymeric material was effective in reducing the moisture absorption into the bamboo layer and th ereby improving the residual mechanical performance of the laminates. The r eductions in axial tensile strength and impact strength after prescribed ag ing treatments were at most about 30% of the original, while that of the al uminium/bamboo interlaminar shear strength was nearly 94% of the original s trength. This is explained in terms of the difference in strength contribut ions and the preferential concentration of moisture at the laminar interfac e. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.