Physical and Mechanical Properties of Methyl Methacrylate-Impregnated Wood from Three Fast-Growing Tropical Tree Species

Timber from plantation forests has inferior physical and mechanical properties compared to timber from natural forest because it is mostly from fast-growing tree species that are cut at a young age. Filling cell voids with methyl methacrylate (MMA) can improve the wood properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of MMA-impregnated wood from three fast-growing wood species, namely jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq.), mangium (Acacia mangium Willd) and pine (Pinus merkusii Jungh. & de Vriese). Wood samples were either immersed in MMA monomer or impregnated with it and then heated to induce the polymerization process. Jabon, which was the lowest density wood, had the highest polymer loading, followed by pine and mangium. The physical and mechanical properties of samples were affected by wood species and the presence of MMA, with higher-density wood having better properties than wood with a lower density. Physical and mechanical properties of MMA wood were enhanced compared to untreated wood. Furthermore, the impregnation process was better than immersion process resulting the physical and mechanical properties. Based on MOR values, the MMA woods were one strength class higher compared to untreated wood with regard to Strength Classification of Indonesian Wood.