Dimensional Stability and Mechanical Properties of Citric Acid Impregnated Samama Wood (Anthocephalus macrophyllus (Roxb) Havil) at High Curing Temperatures

Abstract

Samama wood (Anthocephalus macrophyllus (Roxb) Havil) is a fast-growing and lesser-utilized wood species that has inferior properties; therefore, its quality needs to be improved. This research aimed to determine the effect of citric acid impregnation at high curing temperatures on the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of wood. Citric acid solution with 10% concentration (w/w) was impregnated into wood samples by vacuum-pressure method (–0.5 cmHg, 30 min; 0.7 MPa, 3 h), followed by curing process at 140℃, 160℃, and 180℃ of temperature for 1 h. In comparison, the other wood samples were heat treated at the same temperatures and time. The results showed that the increase in curing and heat temperatures for both treatments were directly proportional to the dimensional stability, but inversely proportional to the mechanical properties. Citric acid impregnated had higher density, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties, except for modulus of rupture, than that of heat treatment. The optimum temperature is suggested at 160℃ in both treatments.