The effect of chemically modified wood particles on the termite durability of sandwich particleboard from Cotylelobium melanoxylon and Gigantochloa pruriens

Abstract

The tropical region of Indonesia is a preferred habitat for termites. High humidity is very supportive of the growth of these organisms. The impact resulting from these conditions is the vulnerability to the durability of products made from lignocellulosic because this material is the main feed source for termites. Chemical modification treatment is needed in the manufacturing process to increase product durability. This study aims to analyze the resistance of sandwich particleboard to attack by subterranean termites due to chemical modification of the particles. The sample used in this study was chemically modified particleboard made of raru wood (Cotylelobium melanoxylon) particles and belangke bamboo (Gigantochloa pruriens) strand. Then the samples were fed to subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) regarding SNI 01.7202-2006. Parameters observed included the percentage of termite weight loss and mortality. The results showed that sandwich particleboard, which was dominated by 80% bamboo and 20% raru wood with acid and alkaline treatment, was not resistant to subterranean termite attack. The weight loss value produced in this study ranged from 11.97 - 15.83%, included in the durable class IV classification. The higher concentration of acetic acid in particle immersion resulted in a decrease in the value of the board’s weight loss, and the opposite condition was experienced by panels with particle immersion treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH).