Sorption isotherm and physico-mechanical properties of kedondong (Canarium spp.) wood treated with phenolic resin

Kedondong (Canarium spp.) wood was modified with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LmwPF) resin in order to reduce its hygroscopicity. Kedondong wood were impregnated with LmwPF resin at different concentrations, namely 15, 20 and 30%, followed by curing at high temperature. The physico-mechanical properties, surface wettability, and sorption isotherm of the treated and untreated wood were investigated. Surface wettability of the modified wood reduced as a result of the treatment. Thickness swelling and water absorption of the modified kedondong wood reduced while positive anti-swelling efficiency increased along with increasing resin concentration. However, there was no sig-nificant difference observed for mechanical properties between modified and unmodified wood. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for unmodified kedondong was higher than impregnated samples. At 95% RH, unmodified kedondong showed an EMC of 19.10% whereas samples treated at 15%, 20% and 30% LmwPF concentration recorded EMC of 18.27%, 18.14% and 17.12%, respectively. Furthermore, the hysteresis loop of untreated sample results was slightly higher than treated sample. The highest hys-teresis value was marked at 80% RH with value 3.74% for untreated sample and the value decreased slightly in treated woods. The results indicate that the treatment reduces the hygroscopicity of kedon-dong wood. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Treating kedondong wood with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde resin can effectively reduce its hygroscopicity, improve physical properties and anti-swelling efficiency, and reduce surface wettability.