The Optimization of the Steam-Heat-Treated Process of Rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) Based on the Response Surface Analysis and Its Chemical Changes
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Rattan species, together with bamboo, are among the most significant non-timber forest products and components of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems. There exist 631 species, subspecies, and varieties of rattan in 11 genera worldwide [1]. China alone possesses 41 species and varieties belonging to four genera: Daemonorops, Calamus, Plectocomia, and Myrialepis [2,3]. Thanks to their excellent strength, toughness, and elasticity and easy modeling characteristics, rattan species are an excellent material for interior decoration applications such as furniture making or craft equipment weaving [4,5]. Yet, like other lignocellulosic materials, they exhibit some undesirable characteristics including dimensional instability and low resistance against mold and rot fungi decay in a humid environment [6,7,8]. The heat treatment has been known for its advantages (e.g., environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, and simplicity in processing), which make it currently the most widely employed method for industrial wood improvement [9]. In recent years, it has also been used for rattan processing and its derived composite materials [10,11]. Extensive research has been conducted on various impacts of heat treatment processes [12], including color alteration [13], changes in mechanical properties [14,15], durability assessment of heat treatment [16], alterations in chemical composition [17,18], and mass loss. The impact of the fiber percentage and cell wall thickness on the shrinkage–swelling and Modulus of Elasticity of the cane is already defined [19]. Also, changes in durability properties of two rattan species of different diameters were researched [20]. These property changes are closely related to processing parameters such as the temperature, duration, medium, and pressure applied during the heat treatment.
The single-factor analysis method is commonly employed to analyze the impacts of processing parameters [21]. However, this approach is time-consuming and is unable to analyze the interactions among different factors, which can be addressed by a simultaneous single-factor method in experimental design [22]. The response surface analysis or methodology (RSM), initially introduced by Box and Wilson in 1951, serves as an optimization technique based on experimental results or simulations for determining the optimal factor levels that yield the desired response value [23,24].
The raw material selected for this study is Calamus simplicifolius, an important commercial rattan species in China known for its exceptional mechanical properties. The response surface analysis was employed to determine the optimal steam heat treatment process for C. Simplicifolius cane. In the optimization process, independent variables such as steam heat treatment temperature, treatment time, and pressure were considered while designing the impact toughness of C. Simplicifolius cane as the response variable. This study is to quantify the impacts of steam heat treatment parameters (e.g., temperature, time, and pressure) on the impact toughness of C. Simplicifolius. A better understanding of the steam-heat-treated C. Simplicifolius properties will lead to a more efficient utilization of the heat-treated rattan, particularly in outdoor settings.
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