Initial Studies on Chemical Modification of Low Density Non-Structural Malaysian Hardwoods and Exotic Species by Furfuryl Alcohol Treatment

• Main Author: Hii, Ung Ngo
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 2007
• Subjects: QD Chemistry; S Agriculture (General); SD Forestry
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/28114/2/Hii%20Ung%20Ngo.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/28114/

Fw-furyl alcohol (FA) is a chemical prepared from a renewable plant resource. The sapwood of3 species of Malaysian timbers, Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), Kelempayan (Neolamarkia eadamba), Sena (Pteroearpus indieus) and of 2 exotic timbers Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Beech (Fagus sylvatiea), were treated to 3 target retentions of FA [low target retention with Wood Polymer Gain (WPG = 14), medium target retention (WPG = 54) and high target retention (WPG = 112)]. The higher concentration showed more effective FA polymerization loading in the wood. Kelempayan has highest percentage WPG (184.0%) and the highest percentage wood density increase (123.6%) at the highest target retention (WPG = 112). Sena has lowest percentage WPG (15.1 %) and lowest percentage wood density increase (-3.6%) at the low actual retention (WPG = 14). Wood volume for 5 species increased slightly from low target retention (WPG = 14) to high target retention (WPG = 112). Sena wood at high target retention recorded the highest mean of treated wood volume (101.2 cmJ ), which is significantly different (P<0 .05) from the mean treated volume at all target retention for the remaining wood species. Mean wood density increases correlated straightly with actual WPG FA all species (P<0.05).