Physical Properties of Fast-Growing Wood-Polymer Nano Composite Synthesized through TiO2 Nanoparticle Impregnation

Istie Rahayu; Wayan Darmawan; Deded Sarip Nawawi; Esti Prihatini; Rohmat Ismail; Gilang Dwi Laksono

doi:10.3390/polym14204463

Physical Properties of Fast-Growing Wood-Polymer Nano Composite Synthesized through TiO₂ Nanoparticle Impregnation

Polymers (Basel). 2022 Oct 21;14(20):4463. doi: 10.3390/polym14204463.

Authors

Istie Rahayu¹, Wayan Darmawan¹, Deded Sarip Nawawi¹, Esti Prihatini¹, Rohmat Ismail², Gilang Dwi Laksono¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Forest Products, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Kampus IPB Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia.
² Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Kampus IPB Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia.

Abstract

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, TiO₂ nanoparticle (79.17 nm) was produced using the hydrothermal method. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of TiO₂ nanoparticle impregnation on the density and dimensional stability of mangium and the effectiveness of the presence of TiO₂ 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% TiO₂ nanoparticle, and 5% TiO₂ 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). TiO₂ nanoparticle resulted in an increase in density, WPG, and BE-treated mangium. Based on XRD and FTIR results, TiO₂ nanoparticle was successfully impregnated into mangium wood. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated that TiO₂ nanoparticle covered the surface of the wood cells. The TiO₂-impregnated mangium wood has a higher photocatalyst activity than untreated, indicating better protection from UV radiation and pollutants.

Keywords: TiO2 nanoparticle; impregnation; mangium; photocatalyst; physical properties.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Ministry of Education, Culture and Research and Technology of Indonesia (Grant No. 0267/E5/AK.04/2022 and Grant No. 082/E5/PG.02.00.PT/2022).