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

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 2 nanoparticle (79.17 nm) was produced using the hydrothermal method. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of TiO 2 nanoparticle impregnation on the density and dimensional stability of mangium and the effectiveness of the presence of TiO 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 2 nanoparticle, and 5% TiO 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 2 nanoparticle resulted in an increase in density, WPG, and BE-treated mangium. Based on XRD and FTIR results, TiO 2 nanoparticle was successfully impregnated into mangium wood. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated that TiO 2 nanoparticle covered the surface of the wood cells. The TiO 2 -impregnated mangium wood has a higher photocatalyst activity than untreated, indicating better protection from UV radiation and pollutants.