Analysis of Changes in Vessel Cells of Meranti and Bangkirai Wood Placed Outdoors

Abstract

Wood, as a renewable material, can be used for indoor and outdoor products. Meranti and Bangkirai as commercial woods, are used outdoors. The wood used outdoors will experience wood cell damage and discoloration on the surface. The research aims to determine the pattern of damage and discoloration of wood vessel cells in Meranti and Bangkirai wood due to weather exposure for 5 months in Samarinda. The wood cell damage was observed microscopically, and changes in wood vessel cells colour were observed using the CIE lab method on parameters L*, a*, b*, and ΔE. The study’s results showed that after being exposed to the weather for 2 months, the vessel cells of Meranti and Bangkirai wood began to experience degradation. In Meranti wood, the vessel cells were completely degraded and left cracks after 4 months, while in Bangkirai wood, it was 5 months. After being exposed to the weather for 5 months, Meranti wood vessel cells experienced changes in the parameters ΔL -10.65, Δa -14.68, Δb -12.89, and ΔE 22.25. While Bangkirai, ΔL -7.01, Δa -12.84, Δb 15.95 and ΔE 21.64.