Green process of perillaldehyde modification on regulating hydrophobicity to improve bamboo durability

Bamboo exhibits potential as a viable substitute for wood; nevertheless, its vulnerability to mold poses a significant obstacle to its practical implementation. To address this issue, prevalent techniques, including heat treatment, chemical modification, and compression treatment, alter the characteristics of bamboo and safeguard it against mold. However, these modifications are limited by substantial energy consumption, elevated expenses, and low sustainability. In light of these challenges, perillaldehyde (PAE) emerges as a natural antimicrobial agent capable of impeding the proliferation of diverse mold strains. In this study, the immobilization of PAE in bamboo was achieved for the first time using diethylenetriamine, forming a Schiff base structure with bamboo components. The modified bamboo exhibited three-fold enhanced surface hydrophobicity, which effectively prevented mold infections. Additionally, the modification process improved the dimensional stability of bamboo, albeit at the expense of a slight reduction in elasticity and hardness. The structural analysis of bamboo by FTIR, XPS, and XRD techniques revealed that lignin and hemicellulose served as potential reactive components of PAE. This study presents a novel approach to bamboo preservation utilizing natural components, thereby enhancing the resistance against mold and improving the physical characteristics of bamboo.