Kedondong (Canarium spp.) wood was modified with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LmwPF) resin in order to reduce its hygroscopicity. Kedondong wood were impregnated with LmwPF resin at different concentrations, namely 15, 20 and 30%, followed by curing at high temperature. The physico-mechanical properties, surface wettability, and sorption isotherm of the treated and untreated wood were investigated. Surface wettability of the modified wood reduced as a result of the treatment. Thickness swelling and water absorption of the modified kedondong wood reduced while positive anti-swelling efficiency increased along with increasing resin concentration. However, there was no significant difference observed for mechanical properties between modified and unmodified wood. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for unmodified kedondong was higher than impregnated samples. At 95% RH, unmodified kedondong showed an EMC of 19.10% whereas samples treated at 15%, 20% and 30% LmwPF concentration recorded EMC of 18.27%, 18.14% and 17.12%, respectively. Furthermore, the hysteresis loop of untreated sample results was slightly higher than treated sample. The highest hysteresis value was marked at 80% RH with value 3.74% for untreated sample and the value decreased slightly in treated woods. The results indicate that the treatment reduces the hygroscopicity of kedondong wood.

Authors: Arfah Shawati Boneka, Mohd Khairun Anwar Uyup, Lee Seng Hua, Nordahlia Abdullah Siam, Sabiha Salim, Zaidon Ashaari