Dimensional stability of Bambusa vulgaris for the production of GLB and furniture.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the dimensional stability of Bambusa vulgaris, analyzing the technical viability of its use by industries of GLB (glued laminated bamboo) and furniture. The variations occurred in the dimensions of the specimens after immersion in water and dried on a stove were investigated. The assessment of quality was performed through the anisotropy of shrinkage and swelling, volumetric shrinkage and swelling, basic density and water absorption of 2-year-old samples made in the form of slivers. The bamboo presented lower values of shrinkage and swelling anisotropy for the basal region. The mean total value of volumetric shrinkage for the studied regions was stable, and was therefore classified as medium shrinkage. Because the mean values of basic density were lower than 0.5 g/cm3 in all the regions, the species was classified as a light material. The present study also showed that the increase of basic density was related to a decrease on the rates of water absorption. These results point to the great potential use of such species on the sector of GLB and furniture.