Modification treatment can improve the properties of wood, particularly those of fast-growing species. Paraserianthes falcataria, also known as batai, is a fast-growing species with low wood density. This species has piqued the interest of those involved in industrial wood processing as a promising alternative for construction. The aim of this study is to improve the dimensional stability of batai (Paraserianthes falcataria). Dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and failure characteristics have all been determined. The batai wood samples with dimensions of 10 mm (thick), 150 mm (length) and 20 mm (width) were treated through impregnation modification with 30% low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LMwPF) resin. The wood samples were impregnated in an impregnation chamber under 100 kPa pressure for 30 minutes before curing at high temperatures. After conditioning for a week, all samples were tested, with untreated samples serving as controls. According to the findings of the study, the dimensional stability of treated batai wood was increased by about 55-59%. Mechanical properties such as MOR, MOE, and hardness, on the other hand, were slightly improved when compared to the untreated sample. MOR, MOE, and hardness increased by about 2%, 24%, and 14%, respectively, when compared to untreated batai. The samples' failure mode was also determined. The splintering mode was observed on the samples following the static bending test, while deep indentation was found after hardness test. The LMwPF modification treatment improved the dimensional stability of batai in general. When wood is exposed to moisture, the resin reduces its hygroscopicity while slightly increasing its mechanical properties.

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