The effect of densification time on quality of Jabon Wood (Anthocephalus cadamba)

Abstract

Abstract Wood densification is a technique to increase the quality of low-density wood such as Jabon wood. The variation of densification time of Jabon wood will affect the quality of the wood. This study aimed to determine the effect of densification time on the physical and mechanical properties of Jabon wood. Jabon wood was densification using a hot press at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes at a temperature of 180 °C and a densification target of 20%. This densification wood will be compared to control wood. The results showed that the density value increased from 0.37 g/cm3 to 0.39-0.42 g/cm3, and the moisture content value was reduced to 11.57-15.12 %. There was an increase in value modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and compression parallel to the grain by 31.55-48.86%, 6.65-35.33%, and 42.68-55.26%, respectively. The optimum value of this study resulted in a densification time of 10 minutes.