Bamboo is a renewable raw material and is available in tropical and subtropical regions, where it is considered as an inexpensive material. Nevertheless, most bamboo species are highly susceptible to insect and fungi attacks. Basically, bamboo culm protection can be obtained by means of two types of treatment: natural protection and chemical protection. In this study the performance of a Boucherie Modified Method was evaluated, comparing treated bamboo samples (bamboo splits) with untreated samples (control). The effects of the sample position in the culm, chemical solution type and its concentration, treatment duration and the exposition period in two environments (protected and unprotected) were evaluated. Non destructive evaluation - NDE (visual, weight control and ultrasound) and flexure test were applied to the specimens over time. Results obtained showed that dilute solutions, mainly when combined with smaller treatment times, were not effective at protecting bamboo against decay. Results obtained by ultrasound and flexure tests were sensitive enough to detect the best combination of the effect of the evaluated parameters.
non conventional material; ultrasonic; NDE; chemical treatment
