KARAKTERISTIK KULIT GEMOR SEBAGAI DASAR UNTUK PEMANFAATANNYA

Characteristics of Gemor Bark as a Basis for Its Utilizations

Abstract

Chemical properties are a basis for the utilization of biomass based on its components. The chemical properties of wood biomass can differ between species, growth site, age, and parts of the tree. Bark is still considered a by-product of wood utilization, although based on its chemical components, it has the potential for various natural chemical products. Gemor bark has been utilized by forest communities, such as for mosquito repellent. The development of bioproducts based on chemical components is expected to increase the value of gemor bark. For that, it is necessary to understand the chemical components and properties of gemor bark. This study aims to examine the content of chemical components, proximate analysis, and phytochemistry of gemor bark. Gemor bark samples were collected from Central Kalimantan. Determination of chemical component content refers to TAPPI standards (1996), proximate analysis refers to ASTM standards (2013), and phytochemical analysis refers to the Harbone method (1996). The main chemical components of gemor bark consist of holocellulose 63.59%, α-cellulose 46.19%, hemicellulose 17.39%, and lignin 43.56%. The extractive substances dissolved in hot water, cold water, 1% NaOH, and ethanol/benzene are 19.49%, 18.21%, 47.65%, and 27.66%, respectively. Proximate analysis of gemor bark obtained volatile matter content of 78.04%, ash content of 1.32%, and fixed carbon of 20.64%. Qualitative phytochemical analysis detected the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids in gemor bark. Based on its chemical components, gemor bark has the potential as an energy and a source of phenolic chemicals with various chemical properties