In situ synthesis of CuO microparticles in bamboo for enhanced hydrophobicity and long-lasting mold resistance

Natural bamboo is vulnerable to mold growth, and conventional fungicides tend to leach and pose environmental and health risks. In this study, we developed a facile approach to impart long-lasting mold resistance to bamboo by incorporating copper oxide (CuO) microparticles through a copper-ammonia complex (CAS) impregnation process and a simple hydrothermal reaction. The modification resulted in the synthesis and homogeneous distribution of abundant CuO microparticles within the bamboo’s porous structure. The modified bamboo showed enhanced hydrophobicity, with water contact angles measuring 134.3° on the cross-section and 114.8° on the longitudinal section. The modified bamboo demonstrated excellent antifungal performance, with an average prevention efficacy of 92.7 % against mold after 28 days of exposure. Moreover, after a week-long leaching test, the modified bamboo retained 80.2 % of its copper content, indicating strong leaching resistance. This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional fungicide treatments for bamboo preservation.