As the global community searches for alternatives to plastics, bamboo has attracted widespread attention for its renewability, high strength, and biodegradability. However, its sensitivity to temperature and humidity during storage and service life has long posed challenges for reliable use in construction, furniture, and consumer products.
A new study, titled “Hydrothermal Aging of Moso Bamboo: Degradation Mechanisms and Storage Life Prediction,” published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts , provides critical insights into how Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis ) degrades under fluctuating hygrothermal conditions. The research, conducted by Hao Jia, Wenhui Su, Bin Huang, and colleagues, systematically explored the effects of moist heat cycling over 100 days on the material’s physical, mechanical, and chemical stability.
The team designed four simulated storage environments: two moist heat cycling regimes, a constant temperature–humidity condition, and a warehouse control. Results revealed that moisture absorption and desorption cycles cause dramatic fluctuations in bamboo’s mass, dimensions, and appearance. Under high humidity, bamboo swelled and darkened due to chemical and microbial processes, while low humidity accelerated shrinkage and cracking. The elastic modulus declined by up to 44%, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed significant changes in hemicellulose and lignin structures, signaling chemical degradation at the molecular level.
Notably, the study integrated machine learning for predictive analysis. By applying a Random Forest (RF) model to thousands of experimental datapoints, researchers achieved over 92% accuracy in forecasting changes in compressive strength and color difference under different environmental conditions. The model identified cellulose crystallinity and dimensional stability as the strongest predictors of mechanical deterioration. This pioneering use of AI for bamboo storage quality opens new possibilities for intelligent warehouse management, optimized stock rotation, and extended service life.
The authors argue that current storage practices often fail to prevent degradation, emphasizing the need for climate-controlled solutions. Their findings provide a scientific foundation for bamboo storage standards and highlight data-driven approaches to managing material performance. Beyond immediate applications, this research underscores bamboo’s potential as a green substitute for plastics, aligning material innovation with sustainability goals.
As demand for durable and eco-friendly materials rises, these insights are expected to inform industry practices, from manufacturing to construction, ensuring bamboo products maintain performance and longevity across diverse environments.
See the article:
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2025.09.002
Original Source URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969825000623
Journal
Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts
Experimental study
Not applicable
Hydrothermal Aging of Moso Bamboo: Degradation Mechanisms and Storage Life Prediction
15-Sep-2025