Effect of impregnation methods and bioresin concentration on physical and mechanical properties of soft-inner part of oil palm trunk

Abstract

Bioresin from derived of pine (Pinus merkusii) was used to increase the strength of the soft-inner part of oil palm trunk (S-OPT). This purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of impregnation methods (soaking 1 day, 3 days, and vacuum 600 mmHg for 1 hour) and bioresin concentration (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on the physical and mechanical properties of S-OPT. Bioresin was dissolved with ethanol. The result showed that weight gain from bioresin into S-OPT was 0.85 % - 39.4%. The bioresin impregnation with several concentration significantly improved the physical and mechanical properties of S-OPT up to (1) 5.7-57.14% in density; (2) 29.94%-145.18% in compressive strength; (3) 114.78%-345.66% in modulus of elasticity (MOE); and (4) 43.01%-111.79% in the in modulus of rupture (MOR). The best performance of S-OPT when bioresin impregnated 20% bioresin using vacuum method as shown higher the physical and mechanical properties.