Steam
Thermal modification (TM) in a steam environment can be used to treat air-dried or kiln dried bamboo poles. The TM may be performed in a cylindrical steam chamber or in a typical kiln-drying chamber fitted with heaters to raise the temperature above 160°C. Poles were exposed in a boiler-produced steam at a desired temperature level. Depending on the target exposure time, duration of treatment starts when the desired temperature (±5°C) is obtained. Thermally modified poles are removed once the built-up pressure within the chamber depleted, and the temperature is below 50°C. TM bamboo poles are conditioned for a week or so before utilizing as a material to assemble BMIs.
Physically, thermal modification produces poles with a darker color. While altering its acoustic properties, chemical changes in the bamboo due to steam treatment makes it less capable to absorb moisture, less susceptible to biological attacks, with a slightly weakened strength properties (depending on the severity of temperature exposure).
Science in a creative industry.
The DOST-FPRDI has a Bamboo Musical Instruments Innovation R&D program aimed at improving the quality of locally-made bamboo musical instruments (BMIs) through science and innovative technologies. The program seeks to standardize the production of selected BMIs, develop prototype designs, analyze raw material sources and existing markets, and build a BMI processing facility. In addition, the program aims to document the ethnocultural story behind several BMIs and identify the bamboo species used in BMI production to promote public awareness and appreciation of the cultural importance of these musical instruments. The program is a collaboration with the University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University for teaching modules and analyzing sound quality and standardization of BMI design. The DOST Grants-in-Aid program provides funding.
PhBMI