THE Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DoST-FPRDI)'s study on "Glue-bond performance of Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.) Backer using cold setting and thermosetting adhesives" emerged as the best paper during the 12th World Bamboo Congress in Taiwan, besting out over 120 entries from around the globe.
Authored by Dr. Juanito Jimenez Jr. and For. James Edelbert Ramos, the study determined the bonding performance of laminated giant bamboo (D. asper) glued with cold setting and thermosetting adhesives at different surface pairings and glue spread rates. It provided insights on producing the desirable glue bonding parameters for engineered-laminated bamboo production and industrialization of timber bamboo.
With the theme "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation and Design," the 12th WBC presentations were grouped into three themes: (1) sustainable developments and green economy; (2) innovations in technology and manufacturing; and (3) contemporary design and applications. DoST-FPRDI's study won under the second theme.
Still under the second theme of the 12th WBC, For. Oliver Marasigan of DoST-FPRDI represented his research team and presented the study "Potential utilization of climbing bamboo species in the Philippines." The study determined the physical and mechanical properties of 12 species of climbing bamboo collected from Luzon. It also presented recommendations on the usage of bamboo species (i.e. construction, high-grade furniture, flooring, paneling, bodies of musical instruments, pulp and paper, and low-grade furniture).
Marasigan emphasized the need to study climbing bamboos because of their economic relevance in the Philippine rural communities where they abound. According to him, studying climbing bamboo's potential uses can also open prospective livelihood opportunities.
The DoST takes pride in the remarkable research outputs like the two studies presented by Dr. Jimenez and For. Marasigan and encourages more research efforts geared at providing solutions and opening opportunities for the benefit of the Filipinos. Aside from Marasigan and Jimenez, Dr. Jennifer Tamayo of DoST-FPRDI's Technology Innovation Division attended the event, which was held last April 18-22, 2024.