Termite resistance of thermally-modified Dendrocalamus asper (Schultes f.) Backer ex Heyne

Abstract

The effects of thermal modification on the resistance of Dendrocalamus asper against Microcerotermes losbañosensis were investigated after exposure to virgin coconut oil at 140-200 °C for 30-120 min. The results showed that heat treatment significantly improved bamboo's resistance to termites based on mass losses and visual observations. The enhancement was highest at 200 °C. Prolonged treatment had a positive effect on the resistance at lower temperatures only. © 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.