Enhancing the Properties of Mahang (Macaranga spp.) Wood through Acrylic Treatment in Combination with Crosslinker
Macaranga spp. (mahang) was treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in combination with a crosslinker trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA). Polymerisation was carried out by catalyst heat treatment. A fairly consistent acrylic retention was found in the wood when treated with or without cros...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
2009
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/7105/1/Enhancing%20the%20Properties%20of%20Mahang.pdf |
| Summary: | Macaranga spp. (mahang) was treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in combination with a crosslinker
trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA). Polymerisation was carried out by catalyst heat treatment. A fairly
consistent acrylic retention was found in the wood when treated with or without crosslinker. Polymerisation of MMA is
at maximum with 1% crosslinker and beyond this concentration the polymerisation decreased. The dimensional stability
in terms of anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) was determined and found to be improved on treatment. Water absorption
was also found to be decreased considerably for treated wood. Mechanical strength of the treated wood in terms of
modulus of rupture (MOR), compressive stress and hardness were improved, but the stiffness (modulus of elasticity)
did not change. In terms of specific strength (strength to density ratio), the treated material is less stiffer and less
strength in lateral direction compared to untreated wood. However, the specific compressive strength perpendicular to
the grain and hardness of the treated material were superior compared with the untreated. |
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