Improvement of Dimensional Stability of Tropical Light-Wood Ceiba pentandra (L) by Combined Alkali Treatment and Densification

Densification is an effective method for improving the physical and mechanical properties of low-density wood. However, set-recovery dimensions was found to be problem densified wood due low fixation during densification process. Alkali pretreatment before thought a modification process improve dimensional stability In this research, samples used were boiled in 1.25 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at different times, followed by 5 h 100°C. The alkali 1, 3, boiling increased woods anti-swelling efficiency values 8.52%, 63.24%, 48.94%, respectively. NaOH decreased holocellulose content, as well lignin lesser degree, lower crystallinity index observed. hydroxyl groups higher proportion treated seem have contributed high detected.