Drying Bamboo Below 15% Moisture Content
I am working on a project which would require the bamboo to dry to below a 15% moisture content. How long would this take in your estimation? Any ideas on low cost/low energy ways to speed up drying?
⭐ Best Answer:
Bamboo is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture until it reaches equilibrium with the surrounding environment's moisture content (MC). When exposed to changes in humidity, bamboo naturally shrinks and swells. Depending on your location, especially in tropical climates, the MC of bamboo rarely drops below 15%, with dried bamboo typically stabilizing between 16-18%. It is important to clarify whether you intend to dry whole bamboo poles or slats. Slats can be oven-dried, but poles should be air-dried to minimize the risk of cracking.
