SIFAT FISIK IJUK DAN POTENSINYA SEBAGAI PERINTANG FISIK SERANGAN RAYAP TANAH
Abstract: The fiber of
sugar-palm tree Arenga pinnata Merr., locally known as ijuk, is traditionally
used as covering to protect ground-contact wood construction materials although
effectiveness of the material in protecting wood construction from
biodeterioration has not been determined. In the current study, potential of
the sugar-palm tree fiber as a physical barrier against termite attacks was
analyzed in terms of their structure and physical characteristics. Samples of
sugar-palm tree fibers from natural and marketed formations were prepared and
determined for their fiber distribution, shapes, sizes, moisture content,
density, and sheet grammage since these aspects were considered to be important
factors influencing the penetration ability of termites. Results showed that
each of the sugar-palm tree fibers has different shapes (half-round, round,
rectangle) and different sizes (ranging from 0.05 to 1.00 mm in thickness). It
was also found to have 3-5 ramifications with the angle of 10o – 30o. The
process of branching out was supposed to initiate a natural insertion of each
formed fiber to others. It is believed that fibers with particular arrangements
are able to prevent the penetration or tunneling of termites.
Penulis: Astuti Arif, Musrizal
Muin, Syahidah
Kode Jurnal: jpkehutanandd060022
