Processing Palm Trunk Waste into Plywood to Improve the Economy in Dharmasraya Regency

Abstract

Palm trunk waste is a potential material that can be processed into plywood to improve the economy in Dharmasraya Regency. This study aims to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of plywood made from palm trunk waste and compare them with commercial plywood. The palm trunk waste was obtained from a local palm oil plantation and processed into veneer using a rotary peeler. The veneer was then glued and pressed to form plywood. The physical properties of the plywood, including density, moisture content, and water absorption, were evaluated according to standard methods. The mechanical properties, including bending strength and modulus of elasticity, were also tested.The results showed that plywood made from palm trunk waste had a similar density, moisture content, and water absorption to commercial plywood. However, the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of the palm trunk plywood were lower than those of commercial plywood. Nonetheless, the palm trunk plywood still met the minimum requirements for structural plywood and could be used for non-structural applications. Furthermore, processing palm trunk waste into plywood can provide economic benefits to the local community by creating new job opportunities and increasing income. This study highlights the potential of palm trunk waste as a raw material for plywood production and its contribution to sustainable development in Dharmasraya Regency.