Bamboo Treatment and Preservation for Tropical Construction: A Comprehensive Review of Methods and their Applicability in Nigeria

Abstract Bamboo's natural weaknesses make it less suitable for construction, especially in tropical areas like Nigeria. This paper reviews methods for treating and preserving bamboo, focusing on chemical, thermal, and biological techniques. It specifically examines how effective these methods are and how they can be optimized for Nigerian conditions and the species bambusa vulgaris. The review summarizes findings from recent studies conducted between 2017 and 2025 on bamboo treatment and durability. Data collected from peer-reviewed journals emphasize treatment mechanisms, performance results, and practical applications. The analysis covers moisture resistance, dimensional stability, biological durability, and aging under varying environmental conditions. It finds that chemical treatments with borax-boric acid can protect bamboo for 20 to 30 years in indoor settings, with low toxicity to mammals. Meanwhile, chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) offer better outdoor protection but need careful handling. Thermal treatments at 160-200°C enhance dimensional stability and biological resistance but may decrease mechanical strength. Using rosin impregnation, a natural treatment with pine resin, cuts moisture absorption by 39.27 percent. This review brings together scattered research on bamboo treatment and preservation into one framework that suits Nigerian conditions, helping select appropriate treatment methods for local bamboo species and uses.