Sifat Fisis dan Mekanis Bambu Belangke (Gigantochloa pruriens) Termodifikasi Asam Sitrat pada Berbagai Suhu Polimerisasi

Abstract

Belangke Bamboo (Gigantochloa pruriens) is one of the bamboo species widely distributed in North Sumatra and has potential as a wood substitue. However, the main issue with bamboo is its susceptibility to degrading organisms, making chemical modification necessary to enhance its strength and durability. Chemical modification in this research used citric acid solution with a concentration 20%. This research aims to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of citric acid modified Belangke Bamboo at various polymerization temperatures and to determine the best temperature for polymerization. Belangke Bamboo raw materials were impregnated with citric acid and vacuumed for 30 minutes and pressed for 30 minutes of 6 Bar. The Bamboo were then oven dried at different polymerization temperatures of 60°C, 80°C, and 100°C. The Bamboos were then tested for their physical properties, namely density, moisture content, weight percent gain (WPG), water absorption , and thickness swelling. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties evaluated comprised modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and compressive strength parallel to the grain. Data were analyzed using a non factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The results of the physical properties research show that the average value of the density ranges from 0.77-0.85 g/cm³, moisture content 5-8.21%, WPG 9.76-16.04%, water absorption 23.27-39.84%, and thickness swelling 4.35-12.57%. The mechanical properties test results research show that the average value of the MOE ranges from 200359-413529 kg/cm², MOR 1258 – 1838 kg/cm², and compressive strength parallel to the grain 368 – 531 kg/cm². The result of the physical and mechanical properties tests of citric acid- modified Belangke Bamboo at various temperatures showed effects on the value of WPG, water absorption, thickness swelling, MOE, MOR and compression parallel to the grain. The result for Belangke Bamboo showed that the polymerization temperature treatments of 60°C with a score of 13 produced the best result in enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of Belangke Bamboo modified by citric acid at various polymerization temperatures