Sifat Fisis dan Mekanis Bambu Belangke (Gigantochloa pruriens) Termodifikasi Asam Boraks Pada Berbagai Tekanan Impregnasi

Abstract

Belangke bamboo is one type of bamboo that can be used as a substitute for wood. However, bamboo has a weakness in that it is susceptible to attack by destructive organisms, so chemical modification is necessary to increase its strength and durability. The chemical modification is carried out by impregnation using 5% boric acid. This study aims to analyse the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo modified with boric acid at various impregnation pressures and to determine the best impregnation pressure for belangke bamboo modification. Bamboo laminated were impregnated with boric acid and dried in a vacuum for 30 minutes, followed by pressure for 30 minutes with pressure variations of 2 bar, 4 bar, and 6 bar. The bamboo was then oven-dried at 60°C for 24 hours. The bamboo was then tested for physical properties, including WPG, density, moisture content, water absorption, and thickness expansion. It was also tested for mechanical properties, including MOE, MOR, and compressive strength. The results were analysed with a Non-Factorial Completely Randomised Design (RAL). The results of the physical properties test showed an average WPG value of 15.56 – 16.96%, density of 0.77 – 0.85 g/cm³, moisture content of 8.21 – 8.5%, water absorption of 15.54 – 39.85%, and thickness expansion of 7.53 – 12.58%. Mechanical property testing showed average values of MOE 214,214 – 274,935 kg/cm², MOR 1,258 – 1,498 kg/cm², and compressive strength 415 – 531 kg/cm². The results of the study on the modification of laminated bamboo with boric acid at various impregnation pressures significantly affected physical properties such as density, water absorption, and thickness expansion. However, although compressive strength was also significantly affected, its value decreased, thus not improving the mechanical properties of the bamboo. Based on the results, the best score for laminated bamboo is at a pressure of 2 bar.