Quality Improvement of Simalambuo Wood (Lophopetalum spp.) through Thermal Impregnation of Liquid Smoke for Structural Reinforcement and Termite Repellency
Abstract
This study aims to examine the effect of thermal impregnation using liquid smoke on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of Simalambuo wood (Lophopetalum spp.). The wood samples were impregnated with liquid smoke at a pressure of 2.5 bar and subsequently subjected to thermal treatment at temperatures of 130, 150, 170, and 190 °C. The observed physical properties included color, specific gravity, and water absorption, while the mechanical properties tested included the modulus of elasticity (MoE) and modulus of rupture (MoR). A termite resistance test was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. The results showed that thermal impregnation with liquid smoke caused the wood color to become darker, increased specific gravity at lower treatment temperatures, decreased water absorption, and enhanced resistance to termite attacks. However, an increase in treatment temperature led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the wood, namely the MoE and MoR values. Overall, thermal impregnation using liquid smoke improved the dimensional stability and biological resistance of Simalambuo wood, despite being accompanied by a partial reduction in its mechanical strength. These findings indicate that this eco-friendly method has the potential to enhance wood performance for structural and other applications.
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References
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