Effect of Citric Acid and Benzophenone Tetracarboxyclic Acid Treatments on Stability, Durability, and Surface Characteristic of Short Rotation Teak

Short rotation teak (SRT) has a diameter of around 30 cm at the age of 15 years; however, the wood still has low quality, especially in dimensional stability and biological durability. The objective of this study was to improve dimensional stability and biological durability of SRT through modification treatment using non-biocide chemicals, citric acid (CA) and benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BPTCA). SRT sapwood was impregnated by 20% and 40% of CA or BPTCA followed by heating in the oven at 150 degrees C for 2 h. Dimensional stability, strength, surface characteristics and durability against termite attacks of the modified woods were evaluated. Results show that dimensional stability as anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) increased by an average of 46% (CA) and 50% (BPTCA) after treatments. Durability against termites showed that the modified woods were categorized to be class 1 (very durable). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction observations indicated a possible chemical reaction between the wood components with CA and BPTCA. The water-based acrylic and oil-based alkyd contact angle values of the modified woods were lower than 90 degrees, indicating their high wetting ability against the varnish liquids. The treatment can be applied to improve the quality of SRT for high-quality wood product utilization.

Automated summary

This study aimed to improve the dimensional stability and biological durability of short rotation teak (SRT) through modification treatment using non-biocide chemicals. Results showed that the treatment significantly increased the anti-swelling efficiency and durability against termites. Observations suggested a possible chemical reaction between the wood components and the chemicals used for modification. The modified woods exhibited high wetting ability against varnish liquids. This treatment can be applied to enhance the quality of SRT for high-quality wood product utilization.