Modification of Wood with Ionic Compound Crystallization Process of MgCl2 in Wood Cell

• Main Author: SRI ROHAENI (NIM: 10512042)
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/31062
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

<p align="justify">Wood is widely used as a natural structural materials in various applications, such as for contruction materials. As the construction materials, wood must have good mechanical properties in accordance to the requirements of contructions needs. Good structural requirement are the capability of wood to receive such high force and pressure within the designated time. But for now many wood does not have quality to receive those structural requirements, therefore we need to modified wood in order to improve the mechanical properties of wood. Wood modification method with the crystallization process of MgCl2 ionic compounds was intended to improve the mechanical properties of wood. Crystallization is carried out by soaking the wood of sesendok trees (Endospermum diadenum) in to a solution of MgCl2 2 M for 6 months. Density of samples that have been immersed in to solution of MgCl2 2 M increased by 29.0% for 2 months; 29.4% for 3 months; 34.0% for 4 months; 45.5% for 5 months and 58.1% for 6 months. The properties of wood was investigated using a stereo microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and mechanical tests. Based on the results of a stereo visible microscope, the presence of crystals on the surface of the sample was observed and increase from unimmersed woods to the wood immersed for 6 months. From the result of SEM the MgCl2 crystal filled the pores of the wood cells. XRD measurements showed MgCl2 crystal indicated by the presence of three peaks with 2&#952; = 12.2o; 22.6o and 30.1o contained in the sample timber after soaking 3 months and 5 months. The test results from 2 to 6 months samples show the increasing of the mechanical properties up to approximately 44.7%.<p align="justify">