ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF PALM VENEER WITH OIL PALM BARK EXTRACT-RESORCINOL-FORMALDEHYDE RESIN IMPREGNATION.

The oil palm plantations in Indonesia have prompted the need for technology to utilize nonproductive oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). This study was aimed to collect information on the quality of oil palm trunk veneer modified using SRF impregnation from oil palm bark extract. The impregnant was synthesized by copolymerizing resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) on palm bark extract (S). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), PyrolysisGas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (Py-GCMS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the oil palm resorcinol formaldehyde (SRF) resin. The SRF-impregnant material was used to improve the oil palm veneer's density, thickness, swelling, stiffness, and strength. The results of the DSC analysis showed that the SRF resin was thermoset. The SRF-impregnated palm veneer could increase the veneer density by 20%, lower thickness swelling below 25%, and increase the modulus of rupture (MOR) by over 10% and modulus of elasticity (MOE) by 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]