ENHANCED PROPERTIES AND DURABILITY OF RATTAN USING JERNANG, TEAK LEAF EXTRACT, AND RATTAN VINEGAR

Abstrak

Rattan is a non-timber forest product with high export potential and economic value. The use of natural dyes from processing waste and plant materials provides an environmentally friendly alternative for rattan coloring while increasing product value. This study aimed to evaluate rattan processing waste and teak leaves as sources of natural dyes to improve rattan quality and durability. Dyes were extracted using maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction with water as the solvent and evaluated based on yield and color stability. The selected dye was applied through vacuum impregnation at 50 cmHg for 30 min, followed by pressure impregnation at 7 kgf/cm² for 2 h, using citric acid as a mordant. Treated rattan was evaluated for color change, physical and mechanical properties, and functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The best treatment was coated with rattan vinegar at 25% and 50% (w/v) and tested against dry-wood termites and powder-post beetles. Ultrasound-assisted extraction produced higher yields of 10.64% from rattan processing waste and 15.90% from teak leaves, with greater color stability against ultraviolet exposure and oxidizing agents than maceration. Vacuum-pressure impregnation produced noticeable color changes and generally improved physical and mechanical properties with increasing dye concentration. ED-U-30 showed a 33.85% decrease in ΔE after leaching. ED-U-30 combined with 50% rattan vinegar resulted in the lowest weight losses from dry-wood termites (1.76%) and powder-post beetles (1.25%). The combined application of natural dyes and rattan vinegar improved rattan quality and durability.

Kata kunci

• durability
• impregnation
• maceration
• natural dyes
• rattan vinegar
• ultrasound-assisted extraction