INFLUENCE OF TEST METHOD ON BIODEGRADATION OF BAMBOO-PLASTIC COMPOSITES BY FUNGI

The effects of differing ratios of bamboo/plastic polymers on resistance to fungal attack was assessed using two different decay test methods. Weight losses for non-treated southern pine and Carpinus betulus sapwood blocks indicated that the test conditions were suitable for aggressive decay by Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor. Mass losses on the bamboo/composites tended to be very low, regardless of the method employed. In general, moisture levels in the composites were extremely low although they were close to the point where fungal attack could occur when only the bamboo components were considered. The standard decay tests indicated that bamboo can be considered a suitable substitute for wood flour in wood-plastic composites.