Decay resistance and thermal stability of bamboo preservatives prepared using camphor leaf extract

► Camphor leaf extract was mixed with MUF prepolymers to form a preservative (CEMUF). ► Bamboo was treated with CEMUF became strongly decay resistant. ► Microspheres were formed in the cells of bamboo after treatment with CEMUF. ► The order of heat resistance was MUF prepolymers > CEMUF >> camphor leaves extract. ► CEMUF can be utilized as a plant-based preservative for bamboo.