Use of Organic Resins for Wood Modification

Several Indonesian wood species were modified with two solutions of organic resins, i.e. shellac and damar which were diluted with methanol. The resin solutions were impregnated into wood blocks of coconut, rubber, fast grown teak and jabon. Physical and mechanical properties, and durability of the treated woods were determined to evaluate effects of the treatments. Results showed that effects of the treatments varied depending on wood species and kind of treatment. Wood blocks, treated to the highest weight percent gain (WPG), attained approximately 15% anti-shrink efficiency (ASE) after ten cycles of water saturation and drying. Coconut wood has higher permeability, solution uptake, retention and WPC than those of other three wood species. The ASE increased with an increase in the WPG. The resin modifications induced significant durability and mechanical strength improvements on all wood species.