Effects of γ-ray irradiation for insect prevention on chemical components and machinery properties of Bambusa texlitis.

Insectile quarantining treatment is very important to improve the quality of bamboo wares. In this study, 60Co-γ ray was used for quarantine treatment of Bambusa textilis, and the effect of radiation dose on the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and anti-trichomonas was analyzed. The results showed that, higher radiation dose may induce better anti-trichomonas effect. The content and crystallinity of cellulose increased, the content of hemicelluloses decreased, and the content of lignin increased slightly when given a dose of 50 Gy or 60 Gy. When the radiation dose was increased to 80 Gy, the content and crystallinity of cellulose decreased, the content of hemicelluloses increased obviously, and the content of lignin continued to increase. Furthermore, at a dose of 50 Gy, the flexure strength and modulus of elasticity had no significant changes, and shear and extension strength had a slight increase. The mechanical strength increased obviously at a dose of 60 Gy. The flexure strength, modulus of elasticity and shear strength was increased by 10.7%, 5.3%, and 16.5%, respectively, and the extension strength essentially unchanged. When the radiation dose was increased to 80 Gy, the mechanical strength decreased significantly. The flexure strength, modulus of elasticity, shear strength, and extension strength were decreased by 46.5%, 37.6%, 19.5%, and 33.9%, respectively. Above all, it is shown from chemical composition and mechanical properties that a positive correlation existed between the cellulose (content and crystallinity) and the mechanical strength of bamboo (more effect on shear strength), whereas a negative correlation was found between the lignin and hemicelluloses content and the mechanical strength (more effect on hemicelluloses).