Utilization of Wood Vinegar as a Natural Preservative for Sengon Wood (Falcataria moluccana Miq.) against Fungal Attack (Schizophyllum commune Fries)

Abstract

Most wood supplied from forests currently has a low level of durability and vulnerable to wood-destroying organisms attacks. Sengon wood (Falcataria moluccana Miq.) is classified as low durable class wood (class IV-V); hence wood preservation is needed to protect from the attacks of wood-destroying organisms. One of the eco-friendly materials that can be used for wood preservation is wood vinegar. This study aims to analyze the influence of wood vinegar from tembesu (Fagraea fragrans) and rengas (Gluta renghas) on the durability of sengon wood against Schizophyllum commune Fries fungus. The results showed that wood parts and types of wood vinegar significantly affected preservative retention, absorption, penetration, and weight loss. Some of the chemical compounds contained in tembesu and rengas wood vinegar can inhibit the growth of fungi: (1) acetic acid (CAS) ethylic acid, (2) 2-propanone, 1-hydroxy- (CAS) acetol, (3) phenol, 2-methoxy- (CAS) guaiacol, and (4) phenol (CAS) izal. Preservation of wood using tembesu and rengas wood vinegar with a concentration of 70% could increase the resistance of sengon wood and improve sengon wood’s durability into very resistant (durability class I) against S. commune fungus attacks.Keywords: Falcataria moluccana, wood durability, wood parts, wood vinegar