The Movement of Boron Compound by Infusion Method and Combination of Injection and Bandage-Wrapping

Abstract

The existing preservation methods are difficult to be applied to a large dimension log which is needed for making traditional wooden ship ‘Jalur’ in Riau Province. Novel techniques to provide the use of readily available species to replace traditional species alternative were investigated. These included infusion and a combination of injection and bandage-wrapping methods for preserving living trees of Balam (Macaranga conifera (Rchb.f. & Zoll.) Müll.Arg.) and Bintangor (Calophyllum soulattri Burm.f.). Water-based boron compounds were applied as wood preservatives. In total, 18 discs from the bottom, middle, and top of four trees and two controls were used. Trees undergoing treatment were also used to see how wood anatomical structure might affect the boron penetration. The overall aim was to identify the best method for use in Jalur manufacturing. The results showed that in infused Balam tree where the hose position for the preservative intake was deep (10-15 cm from the bark), no boron compound was observed in the outer sapwood. Combination of injection and bandage-wrapping method gave higher percentage of boron penetration at bottom and middle of Balam tree. However, infused Bintangor showed 100% boron penetration. The larger vessel diameter, the absence of tyloses, and the simple perforation plates in Bintangor wood were likely to have contributed to the higher penetration of boron. The combination of bandage-wrapping and infusion, or alternatively by infusing the living trees close to the bark, and at as low as position in the stem gives better protection when treatments are applied to living trees.