Magnetic Properties of Wood Treated with Nano-magnetite and Furfuryl Alcohol Impregnation

Abstract

The impregnation of jabon wood (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) with a magnetic compound can increase the quality of the wood. In this study, magnetic woods were made using the ex situ impregnation of jabon woods with nano-magnetite (Fe3O4). The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of jabon magnetic wood. Two other impregnation solutions were also used in this study: (1) water (untreated) and (2) furfuryl alcohol plus nano-magnetite. The physical properties of magnetic jabon wood were improved compared with untreated wood, as shown by the results of the characterization tests. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed nano-magnetite in the micropores of magnetic jabon wood. The results of the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed chemical bonding between the wood polymer and the furan ring and Fe-O functional groups. The X-ray diffraction results showed a decrease in the degree of crystallinity as the concentration of nano-magnetite increased. The magnetic properties were tested via vibrating-sample magnetometry and the FA-Fe3O4-treated wood showed the highest magnetization.