The Production of Pyrolytic Oil from Rice (Oryza sativa) Husk as an Alternative Wood Preservative

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study entitled " ̃Production of Pyrolytic Oil from Rice (Oryza sativa) Husk as Wood Preservative' was conducted to determine whether using pyrolyzed oil from rice husk is effective in preserving wood to minimize excessive cutting down of trees due to furniture production. The effectiveness was measured in terms of the weight of the wood after being exposed to termites.

METHODS

The major component needed for the experiment was rice husk. To perform the pyrolysis process, the researchers built an improvised oil refinery using a tin can, a burner, a glass/collecting container, and a copper tube. The researchers used three (3) common types of wood namely palochina, coco lumber, and wood lumber in the said study. These woods were dried to remove the contained moisture in each. Initial measurement of the weight of the woods took place. The produced pyrolytic oil was then applied to the designated wood using an applicator. The treated set-up and controlled set-up were placed in glass containers where it was exposed to termites (Macrotermes gilvus). Two weeks were allotted for the observation. The data was gathered by measuring the weight of the treated woods and comparing it to the control set-up.

RESULTS

The researchers compared the initial and final weight of the woods and discovered that there was a significant difference between the measurement. The weight of the woods in the control set-up were not affected. The weight of the palochina was decreased by 22 grams, coco lumber by 35 grams, and wood lumber by 13 grams. The researchers performed the t-test and acquired a value of 3.6539702568 that implies that using the pyrolytic oil from rice husk is effective as an alternative wood preservative.

DISCUSSIONS

Since the computed or calculated t is larger than t critical (tcalc > tcritical), it is proven that using the pyrolytic oil from rice husk is effective in preserving the wood from being attacked by termites. The researchers recommend building a bigger oil production chamber to produce a bigger amount of oil, using multiple species of termites, and performing other tests to validate the data.