Karakteristik Kayu Cepat Tumbuh Terimpregnasi Nano TiO2 dan Nano C-dots dengan Asam Sitrat-Gliserol

Abstract

Kayu sengon (Falcataria falcata (L.) Greuter & R. Rankin) dan jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba Roxb.) merupakan kayu cepat tumbuh yang hingga saat ini pemanfaatannya masih relatif terbatas. Hal tersebut disebabkan oleh stabilitas dimensi rendah, dinding sel tipis, berat jenis rendah, serta kekuatan dan keawetan rendah. Kondisi ini mendorong perlu adanya peningkatan kualitas kayu melalui teknik impregnasi sebagai salah satu metode modifikasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengaruh impregnasi nano TiO2 dan nano C-dots dengan tambahan asam sitrat-gliserol terhadap stabilitas dimensi, kerapatan, serta ketahanan kayu sengon dan jabon terhadap serangan jamur pelapuk. Nano C-dots, nano TiO2, serta nanokomposit TiO2/C-dots disintesis menggunakan metode hidrotermal. Impregnasi kayu dilakukan dengan pemberian vakum sebesar -0,7 bar selama 30 menit dan tekanan sebesar 2,5 bar selama 2 jam. Pengujian meliputi stabilitas dimensi, kerapatan, serta ketahanan terhadap jamur pelapuk putih Schizophyllum commune. Karakterisasi nanomaterial dilakukan menggunakan Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) dan Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), sedangkan karakterisasi kayu terimpregnasi menggunakan Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), FTIR, dan X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan impregnasi menggunakan nano TiO2 dan nano C-dots dengan penambahan asam sitrat-gliserol berpengaruh nyata terhadap stabilitas dimensi dan kerapatan kayu sengon dan jabon. Analisis SEM-EDX menunjukkan bahwa noktah serta sebagian dinding vessel tertutup oleh material impregnasi, disertai dengan terdeteksinya unsur titanium (Ti) pada kayu yang diberi perlakuan nano TiO2. Analisis FTIR menunjukkan terbentuknya ikatan ester dan keberadaan pita serapan Ti–O–Ti, sedangkan analisis XRD menunjukkan terjadinya penurunan derajat kristalinitas akibat meningkatnya fase amorf pada dinding sel kayu. Pengujian ketahanan terhadap jamur pelapuk putih menunjukkan penurunan kehilangan berat kayu serta peningkatan kelas ketahanan dari kelas IV menjadi kelas III. Secara keseluruhan, perlakuan asam sitrat-gliserol dengan penambahan nanokomposit TiO2/C-dots (CGK) memberikan peningkatan stabilitas dimensi, kerapatan, dan ketahanan terhadap jamur pelapuk putih yang paling optimal pada kayu sengon dan jabon.

Sengon wood (Falcataria falcata (L.) Greuter & R. Rankin) and jabon wood (Neolamarckia cadamba Roxb.) are fast-growing woods whose utilization remains relatively limited. This is due to their low dimensional stability, thin cell walls, low specific gravity, and low strength and durability. This condition encourages the need to improve wood quality through impregnation techniques as a modification method. This study aims to analyze the effect of impregnation with nano-TiO2 and nano-C-dots, supplemented with citric acid-glycerol, on the dimensional stability, density, and resistance of sengon and jabon wood to fungal decay. Nano C-dots, nano TiO2, and TiO2/C-dots nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Wood impregnation was carried out by applying a vacuum of -0,7 bar for 30 minutes, followed by a pressure of 2,5 bar for 2 hours. The evaluated properties included dimensional stability, density, and resistance to white-rot fungus Schizophyllum commune. Nanomaterials were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), while the impregnated wood was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), FTIR, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results showed that impregnation using nano TiO2 and nano C-dots with the addition of citric acid-glycerol had a significant effect on the dimensional stability and density of sengon and jabon wood. SEM-EDX analysis showed that the pits and part of the vessel walls were covered by the impregnation material, accompanied by the detection of titanium (Ti) in wood treated with nano TiO2. FTIR analysis showed the formation of ester bonds and the presence of Ti–O–Ti absorption bands, while XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity due to an increase in the amorphous phase in the wood cell walls. Testing for resistance to white rot fungi showed a decrease in wood weight loss and an increase in resistance class from class IV to class III. Overall, citric acid-glycerol treatment with the addition of TiO2/C-dots nanocomposites (CGK) provided the most optimal improvement in dimensional stability, density, and resistance to white rot fungi in sengon and jabon wood.