IMPREGNATION OF TEAK EXTRACT AND RESINS IN RUBBERWOOD AND FAST-GROWN TEAK WOOD

Abstract

Rubberwood and fast-grown teak wood are susceptible to fungal and insect attacks. Hence, wood from these two species must be chemically treated before use. The use of most popular chemicals (borates) pose various environmental and health problems. Thus, this study examines the effectiveness of using teak extractives and resins in improving the dimensional stability, strength and durability and other characteristics of rubberwood and fast-grown teak wood. Teak extractives were extracted from teak wood sawdust by boiling in technical grade methanol. Mixtures of extractive and resin solutions were impregnated into samples of rubberwood and fast-grown teak wood. The shellac and damar used in this study were at 8% w/v concentration based on volume of teak extract. Effectiveness of the treatment was assessed using physical, mechanical and durability tests. Impregnated teak extract increased the weight of wood samples. Treated wood samples possessed better dimensional stability in radial or tangential directions than untreated samples. Addition of shellac and damar resin to the teak extract significantly improved dimensional stability, strength and durability of the wood samples. Multiple impregnation significantly improved the properties of samples compared with single impregnation.