Effects of ultraviolet irradiation treatment on the surface properties and adhesion of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)

The poor adhesion of bamboo coatings is a serious issue in the bamboo industry. To overcome this problem it is necessary to modify the actual surface of the bamboo before finishing. A study on the surface properties and adhesion of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) were investigated with various UV irradiation conditions including irradiation time and dose using different UV lamps. Two types of wood coatings, i.e., solvent‐borne nitrocellulose (NC) lacquer and waterborne polyurethane (PU) coating, were used in the study, and 180° peel strength and shear strength tests for measuring adhesion of films were conducted. The results revealed that the wettability and the carbonyl group concentration of the bamboo surface were increased. This was particularly apparent for an irradiation time less than 15 s with a mercury UV lamp (H‐lamp), rated at an intensity of 100 W/cm kept at a distance of 15 cm. In all the treatments, the greenish appearance of moso bamboo was retained and the adhesion was improved. Especially, using solvent‐borne NC lacquer finishing, the higher‐dose (under a mercury UV lamp combined with metal halide lamp; H + M‐lamps) irradiated bamboo had the best adhesion, while, for waterborne PU coating, the H‐lamp irradiated one showed the best improvement. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008