Changes in chemical components with NIR spectroscopy and durability of samama wood treated with boron, methyl methacrylate and heat treatment

Abstract

Wood quality modifications have the potential to degrade the wood's chemical components, especially those using heat treatment. In fact, wood quality improvement should be identical with the durability improvement and the other specific purposes, such as fixation improvement of preservative materials. This research was aimed to examine changes in chemical components and durability of Samama wood gradually impregnated with boron, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and heat treatment (HT). Each of borax and boric acid was impregnated in pressure tank, continued with MMA impregnation. A 5-atm pressure is applied for 4 hours to both borax and MMA impregnations. The next stage is HT at 90°C and 180°C. The analysis on chemical components was conducted using NIR Spectroscopy and the durability was tested using drywood termites. The results showed that there were changes in lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose components of the wood, as indicated with clear differences in spectra between impregnated and non-impregnated woods. The most significant difference was found on wood impregnated with borax, MMA and HT at 180 °C. This tested sample evidently had the best durability among the tested samples.