Physical Properties of Fast-Growing Wood-Polymer Nano Composite Synthesized through TiO[sub.2] Nanoparticle Impregnation

• Published in: Polymers 2022-10, Vol.14 (20)
• Main Authors: Rahayu, Istie, Darmawan, Wayan, Nawawi, Deded Sarip, Prihatini, Esti, Ismail, Rohmat, Laksono, Gilang Dwi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Chemical synthesis; Composite materials; Influence; Mechanical properties; Methods; Nanoparticles; Polymers; Titanium dioxide; Wood
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym14204463

Mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.) is a fast-growing wood that is widely grown in Indonesia. The impregnation method is needed to improve the qualities of the wood. In this study, TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle (79.17 nm) was produced using the hydrothermal method. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle impregnation on the density and dimensional stability of mangium and the effectiveness of the presence of TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle in wood in degrading pollutants. The mangium samples (2 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm) were placed inside impregnation tube. The impregnation solutions included water (untreated), 1% TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle, and 5% TiO[sub.2] nanoparticles. The samples were analyzed for density, weight percent gain (WPG) dan bulking effect (BE). Samples were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle resulted in an increase in density, WPG, and BE-treated mangium. Based on XRD and FTIR results, TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle was successfully impregnated into mangium wood. Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated that TiO[sub.2] nanoparticle covered the surface of the wood cells. The TiO[sub.2] -impregnated mangium wood has a higher photocatalyst activity than untreated, indicating better protection from UV radiation and pollutants.