EFEKTIVITAS PENGAWETAN TIGA JENIS KAYU FASTGROWING DENGAN EKSTRAK KUNYIT DAN ASAP CAIR MELALUI METODE PERENDAMAN PANAS

Fast-growing woods such as Sengon (Falcataria moluccana), Waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus), and Randu (Ceiba pentandra) possess high potential as renewable natural resources, but their inherently low durability makes them vulnerable to biological degradation. This condition highlights the need for effective and environmentally friendly preservation methods, such as the use of turmeric extract and liquid smoke, to prolong their service life. This study aims to analyze the effect of turmeric extract and liquid smoke concentrations on the effectiveness of preserving three fast-growing wood species using the hot soaking method. The method involved immersing wood samples in turmeric extract or liquid smoke at concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20%, with three replications for each treatment. The observed parameters included physical properties (moisture content and density), preservative performance (retention and penetration), and biological resistance against subterranean termites (Coptotermes sp.). Data were analyzed using a three-way ANOVA at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that wood species significantly affected density, while preservative concentration had a significant effect on penetration. Moisture 2 content and retention were not significantly affected by treatments. All preservative treatments improved visual protection against termites (categories A and B), although they showed no significant effect on weight loss. Turmeric extract at concentrations ≥15% provided the most effective protection, particularly on Sengon wood, which exhibited the highest resistance. It can be concluded that turmeric extract at 15–20% concentration is the most effective treatment, with Sengon being the most responsive species to both physical and biological preservation through hot soaking.