Sifat Fisis Dan Mekanis Kayu Manii (Maesopsis eminii Engl.) Termodifikasi Asam Borat, Natrium Silikat Dan Pemanasan

Abstract

Kayu manii (Maesopsis eminii Engl.) merupakan kayu cepat tumbuh, tetapi keawetannya rendah (III – IV), maka diperlukan pengawetan. Pengawet asam borat bersifat insektisida maupun fungisida, namun mudah tercuci air. Natrium silikat dan pemanasan diharapkan dapat mengurangi ketercucian. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi sifat fisis dan mekanis kayu manii termodifikasi asam borat, natrium silikat dan pemanasan. Kayu manii diimpregnasi dengan asam borat dan natrium silikat dengan tekanan 7 kgf cm-2 selama 4 jam dan pemanasan dengan suhu 70 °C, 140 °C selama 4 jam serta steam 120 °C selama 1,5 jam. Pengujian mencakup kerapatan, berat jenis, daya serap air, ketercucian, anti-swelling efficiency, penyusutan, MOE, MOR dan kekerasan. Perlakuan pasca pengawetan asam borat dengan natrium silikat dan pemanasan 140 °C tidak dapat memperbaiki ketercucian, daya serap air, stabilitas dimensi, MOE dan MOR kayu manii, namun meningkatkan kerapatan, berat jenis dan kekerasannya.

Manii wood (Maesopsis eminii Engl.) is fast growing species, but has low durability (III – IV) and requires preservation. Boric acid has insecticidal and fungicidal properties, but is easily washed off by water. Sodium silicate and heating are expected to reduce leaching. This study aims to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of manii wood modified boric acid, sodium silicate and heating. Manii wood was impregnated with boric acid and sodium silicate at a pressure of 7 kgf cm-2 for 4 hours and heating process with a temperature of 70 °C, 140 °C for 4 hours and steam 120 °C for 1,5 hours. The tests included density, specific gravity, water absorption, leaching, anti-swelling efficiency, shrinkage, MOE, MOR and hardness. Post-treatment following boric acid preservation with sodium silicate and heating at 140 °C did not improve the leaching, water absorption, dimensional stability, MOE and MOR of manii wood, but increased its density, specific gravity and hardness.