Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the polymerisation process of Merbau extractives (ME) and the characteristics of the phenolic resin polymers made from ME. These polymerised ME (PME) can potentially be utilised as an impregnating material to enhance the wood properties of young plantation timber. Selected PME were characterised via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and ultraviolet-visible analysis. The prediction of the enhancement to the wood properties when treated with the obtained PME was discussed in relation to the physico-chemical and thermal characteristics of the polymeric materials. The results showed that the ME can be polymerised in its base condition with formaldehyde and resorcinol as the copolymer to produce the PME. The resin was classified as a resole and polymerisation can be done at room temperature. The physico-chemical tests and analyses, via boiling tests and FTIR spectra confirmed that the polymeric compound is a promising impregnating material that can enhance wood properties. This polymeric material is also eco-friendly as the low level of free formaldehyde.

Details

Title
Polymerised merbau extractives as impregnating material for wood properties enhancement
Author
Malik, J 1 ; Santoso, A 1 ; Ozarska, B 2 

 Forest Products Research and Development Center, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Bogor, Indonesia 
 School of Environment and Forestry, The University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus, Australia 
Publication year
2020
Publication date
Sep 2020
Publisher
IOP Publishing
ISSN
17578981
e-ISSN
1757899X
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2562818647
Copyright
© 2020. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.