The Effect of Soaking Treatment and Variations in Gypsum Levels on Physical and Mechanical Properties

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 90 views

Utilization of Oil Palm Empty Bunches for Gypsum Board: Efforts to Overcome the Crisis of Wood Raw Materials

The demand for wood in Indonesia continues to increase along with development growth. Unfortunately, the high rate of forest damage makes the forestry industry face the raw material crisis. To overcome this problem, various efforts need to be made, one of which is by finding alternative raw materials through technological innovation. One alternative is the use of Oil Palm Empty Bunches (TKS) to make gypsum boards. Gypsum board, which is a particle board made from wood or other melignollulose material that is glued to the gypsum, is one of the solutions that can be developed.

The Potential of Oil Palm Empty Bunches (TKS) as Raw Material for Gypsum Boards

Gypsum board is a widely used material in construction, interior design, and other industries. However, the traditional raw materials used to make gypsum boards, such as wood, are becoming increasingly scarce due to deforestation and over-harvesting. This has led to a significant increase in the cost of wood raw materials, making it difficult for industries to maintain their production levels. In this context, the use of TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards offers a promising solution.

The Effect of Soaking Treatment and Variations in Gypsum Levels on Physical and Mechanical Properties

This study investigated the effect of soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels on the physical and mechanical properties of the gypsum board made from TKS. The results showed that immersion treatment had a significant effect on the density, water content, flexural determination, and the firmness of the gypsum board broken. Variations in gypsum levels also significantly affect the strength of the screw holding. The interaction between soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels has a significant effect on the water content and the strength of the screw holding.

Physical Properties of Gypsum Boards Made from TKS

The physical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS were evaluated in terms of water content, water absorption, and thickness development. The results showed that the water content of the resulting gypsum board is in the range of 7.71-10.93%, meets the standard JIS A 5908-2003 and SNI 03-2105-1996. Water absorption and thickness development also meet the standards, with a value of 19.97-32.19% and 0.85-3.21%, respectively. However, the density of the resulting gypsum board does not meet the standards.

Mechanical Properties of Gypsum Boards Made from TKS

The mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS were evaluated in terms of flexural state, firmness of broken, strong hold the screws, and the stiffness of the resulting internal gypsum board. The results showed that flexural state, firmness of broken, strong hold the screws, and the stiffness of the resulting internal gypsum board do not meet JIS A 5908-2003 and SNI 03-2105-1996 standards.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This study shows that TKS has the potential to be used as raw material for gypsum boards. Soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels are proven to affect the physical and mechanical properties of the gypsum board. To improve the quality of the gypsum board, further research is needed to optimize the manufacturing process, including the addition of additives and modification of the immersion process. By continuing to conduct research and development, the use of TKS for gypsum boards can be an effective solution to overcome the crisis of wood raw materials in Indonesia, as well as opening new business opportunities and encouraging sustainable economic growth.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on optimizing the manufacturing process of gypsum boards made from TKS, including the addition of additives and modification of the immersion process. Additionally, the effects of different types of gypsum and TKS on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards should be investigated. Furthermore, the economic and environmental impacts of using TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards should be evaluated.

The Potential of TKS for Sustainable Economic Growth

The use of TKS for gypsum boards offers a promising solution for sustainable economic growth in Indonesia. By utilizing a waste material that would otherwise be discarded, industries can reduce their environmental impact while also creating new business opportunities. Additionally, the use of TKS for gypsum boards can help to reduce the demand for wood raw materials, which can help to alleviate the pressure on Indonesia's forests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards. The results show that soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels have a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS. Further research is needed to optimize the manufacturing process and to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of using TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards. By continuing to conduct research and development, the use of TKS for gypsum boards can be an effective solution to overcome the crisis of wood raw materials in Indonesia, as well as opening new business opportunities and encouraging sustainable economic growth.
Q&A: Utilization of Oil Palm Empty Bunches for Gypsum Board

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of using Oil Palm Empty Bunches (TKS) as a raw material for gypsum boards, and to evaluate the effect of soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS.

Q: What are the benefits of using TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards? A: The use of TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards offers several benefits, including reducing the demand for wood raw materials, utilizing a waste material that would otherwise be discarded, and creating new business opportunities.

Q: What are the physical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS? A: The physical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS were evaluated in terms of water content, water absorption, and thickness development. The results showed that the water content of the resulting gypsum board is in the range of 7.71-10.93%, meets the standard JIS A 5908-2003 and SNI 03-2105-1996. Water absorption and thickness development also meet the standards, with a value of 19.97-32.19% and 0.85-3.21%, respectively.

Q: What are the mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS? A: The mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS were evaluated in terms of flexural state, firmness of broken, strong hold the screws, and the stiffness of the resulting internal gypsum board. The results showed that flexural state, firmness of broken, strong hold the screws, and the stiffness of the resulting internal gypsum board do not meet JIS A 5908-2003 and SNI 03-2105-1996 standards.

Q: What is the effect of soaking treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS? A: The results showed that immersion treatment had a significant effect on the density, water content, flexural determination, and the firmness of the gypsum board broken.

Q: What is the effect of variations in gypsum levels on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS? A: The results showed that variations in gypsum levels also significantly affect the strength of the screw holding.

Q: What is the interaction between soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards made from TKS? A: The results showed that the interaction between soaking treatment and variations in gypsum levels has a significant effect on the water content and the strength of the screw holding.

Q: What are the recommendations for further research? A: Further research is needed to optimize the manufacturing process, including the addition of additives and modification of the immersion process. Additionally, the effects of different types of gypsum and TKS on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards should be investigated.

Q: What are the potential applications of gypsum boards made from TKS? A: Gypsum boards made from TKS can be used in various applications, including construction, interior design, and other industries.

Q: What are the economic and environmental benefits of using TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards? A: The use of TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards can help to reduce the demand for wood raw materials, utilize a waste material that would otherwise be discarded, and create new business opportunities. Additionally, the use of TKS for gypsum boards can help to reduce the environmental impact of the forestry industry.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study? A: Future research should focus on optimizing the manufacturing process of gypsum boards made from TKS, including the addition of additives and modification of the immersion process. Additionally, the effects of different types of gypsum and TKS on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum boards should be investigated. Furthermore, the economic and environmental impacts of using TKS as a raw material for gypsum boards should be evaluated.