The Color Changes in and Termite and Fungal Resistance of Modified Maesopsis eminii Engl. Wood with Boric Acid and Seed Oil

Abstract

Manii (Maesopsis minii) is a fast-growing wood that is mainly produced for light construction and woodworking. The wood has low durability properties and requires improvements in quality. This research aims to evaluate the combination effect of boric acid, seed oil, and heating on the color of manii wood and its resistance against subterranean termites and decay fungi. The wood samples were modified by combining boric acid, neem oil, tamanu oil, and candlenut oil and heating at 70 °C and 140 °C for 4 h. The color change in the wood was evaluated using the CIELab method, while the resistance against subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) and decay fungi (Schizophyllum commune) was tested according to the SNI 7207-2014 standard. The results show that a significant color change occurred after the oil treatments. L and b values generally decreased, while the a values usually slightly increased after treatment. Boric acid significantly increased the resistance of manii wood against tested termites and fungi. The seed oils also improved wood resistance against termites, while the wood resistance against fungi significantly improved from the combination of boric acid and seed oil treatment. The lowest weight loss in termite and fungal tests occurred with the combination of boric acid and candlenut oil with heating at 140 °C.