Pengaruh Metode Pengawetan Berbahan Aktif Boron pada Kayu Jabon terhadap Rayap Tanah dan Jamur Pelapuk Kayu

Abstract

Anthocephalus cadamba known as jabon in Indonesia is one of fast growing species. However, it has poor durability and classified into IV-V of durability class. It is necessary to apply wood preservation in terms of Improving the timber durability. The aim of this research is to examine the effectiveness of several methods in preserving wood using particular chemical preservatives from active boron against subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) and wood decay fungi (Schizophyllum commune). The preservatives consist of 5% concentrations of mixed Borax-Sodium Carbonax (BC) and Boric Acid Equivalent (BAE), cold bath, hot–cold bath and vacuum press were applied as the preservation methods. There were two responses observed in this research: the mortality of Subterranean Termites, and the timber weight loss resulting from the termites and the wood decay fungi attacks as well. The results show that the preservation of jabon timber using BC and BAE can improve its durability from C. curvignathus and S. commune attack. The durability from C. curvignathus attack increases from class V to class I while the durability from S. commune attack also improves from class V to class II.