Improving the fire ignition delay of bamboo (Bambusa spinosa Roxb.) via plasma treatment

Fire safety is a critical concern in the use of combustible materials as improving ignition delay and retardancy can reduce fire propagation, allow time for emergency response, and safeguard life and property. A 200% increase in ignition delay on bamboo was achieved using argon and hexamethyldisiloxane plasma treatment. This is attributed to the presence of hydrophobic C-H groups, SiOx-like layers, and the formation of char on the surface. These barriers reduce heat penetration and flame propagation. This highlights the use of plasma as a promising, scalable, and environmentally friendly approach to improving the fire ignition delay of bamboo without using halogen-based additives or impregnation processes. • Atmospheric-pressure Ar + HMDSO plasma functionalized bamboo surfaces. • Plasma-treated bamboo revealed up to 200% increase in fire ignition delay. • HMDSO-derived organosilicon layers promote hydrophobicity and stable char formation. • Fire retardancy of bamboo was achieved without halogenated chemicals or impregnation processes.