Kerapatan dan Keawetan Kayu Jati (Tectona grandis L. f.) Unggul Nusantara Terdensifikasi

Abstract

The aim of this research was focusing on quality evaluation of densified wood of faster grown teak (JUN) after treating with 2% of borax-sodium carbonic solution by hot soaking method for 5 hours in advance. Densification was conducted by hot-press at 150ºC and 20 MPa with thickness decreasing target of 50% from their initial size. The result showed that density and durability class of treated wood are greater than those of control wood. Wood density increases 67.92%, while weight loss decreases 6.90%. Furthermore, control wood has serious damages compared than treated wood. It can be concluded that treatability of JUN wood is moderate, with retention and penetration in averages are 19.55 kg m-3, and 2.30 cm or 80%, respectively. Hot soaking process applied was suitable enough to improve wood quality of JUN.