Modification of drying technique using organic solvents to oil palm wood engineering properties

This study explores the use of organic solvents ethanol, acetone, and toluene as moisture extraction agents to improve the drying process and enhance the engineering properties of Oil Palm Wood (OPW). The biomass from oil palm trunks (OPT) is significantly underutilized, leading to environmental and economic challenges. Traditional drying methods like air-drying and kiln-drying are inefficient and timeconsuming, causing material loss and production issues. These methods fail to address OPW’s high moisture content and density variations, resulting in defects like warping, cracking, and cell collapse during drying, which reduce the recovery of usable material. An innovative drying technique is urgently needed to efficiently remove moisture from OPW while maintaining its structural integrity. This research proposes organic solvents as a promising alternative for moisture extraction, potentially reducing drying defects and enhancing OPW's physical and mechanical properties. The methodology involved treating OPW samples with ethanol, acetone, and toluene through a 24-hour soaking process, followed by oven drying at 80°C until constant moisture content was achieved. The study evaluated the physical properties, including volumetric shrinkage, moisture content, and density, as well as the mechanical properties compressive, bending, shear, and tensile strength of both treated and untreated OPW samples. These assessments followed British Standard BS ISO 13061 and ASTM standards. Results showed ethanol as the most effective in moisture reduction, achieving reductions of 38.09% in the outer layer and 60.57% in the inner layer. However, ethanol-treated samples showed reduced mechanical properties, indicating a trade-off between moisture reduction and structural integrity. Acetone-treated samples, though less efficient in moisture extraction, maintained superior mechanical properties, with a 9.23% reduction in inner layer moisture content and minimal impact on strength. Toluene provided intermediate results in both moisture reduction and mechanical properties. The findings suggest that acetone offers a balanced approach for drying OPW, effectively reducing moisture content while preserving structural integrity. This study concludes that organic solvents, especially acetone, present a viable alternative to conventional drying methods for OPW, offering potential solutions for the industry to enhance drying efficiency and material quality.