Work

Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching Induces a Dual Enhancement of Liquid Permeability and Fungal Resistance in Bamboo Through Microstructural Engineering

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bamboo, as a sustainable and renewable biomass resource, possesses significant application prospects along with underutilized potential. However, challenges such as mildew infestation, insect damage, and discoloration during processing and utilization negatively impact its service life and economic value. This study proposes a simplified hydrogen peroxide bleaching method for bamboo processing, resulting in bleached materials with uniform coloration and improved mildew resistance. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of bleached bamboo showed significantly reduced starch and protein inclusions, expanded intercellular spacing, partial fiber detachment, and localized structural deformation in treated bamboo. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed substantial lignin degradation in hydrogen peroxide-treated samples. The color difference (ΔE) was measured at 13.65 between treated and untreated samples, confirming effective bleaching efficacy. The mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis revealed enhanced porosity accompanied by diameter enlargement in treated bamboo. Antifungal assessments indicated that hydrogen peroxide bleaching delayed the onset of mold colonization and significantly enhanced the mildew resistance of bamboo substrates.

Source: Forests

DOI: 10.3390/f16060964

Authors: Dandan Xu, Sheng He, Weiqi Leng, Yuhe Chen, Haiyang Quan

Institutions: China National Bamboo Research Center, Nanjing Forestry University

Language: English

Topic: Bamboo properties and applications

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137