PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LIQUID SMOKE FROM MAHANG (MACARANGA PRUINOSA) WOOD USING A TRADITIONAL PYROLYSIS METHOD

Liquid smoke is a condensate formed from the incomplete burning of lignocellulosic materials, which generates chemical compounds such as acetic acid, phenols, carbonyls, and their derivatives. This study aims to utilize mahang wood (Macaranga pruinosa) as an alternative raw material for generating liquid smoke and to examine the properties of the resulting compounds. A traditional pyrolysis technique was utilized for the production process, with pyrolysis times of 30, 45, and 60 minutes. A simple condensation system was used to collect the combustion vapors. The findings suggest that mahang wood can generate liquid smoke with a fairly good yield, noted for its dark brown color and unique scent. Preliminary analysis revealed that the primary components were organic acids, phenols, furans, and their derivatives, as identified through GC–MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) analysis. The research shows that increasing pyrolysis duration decreases the total phenolic content in the liquid smoke, with the highest value of 18.65 mg GAE/g identified at 30 minutes through UV–Vis spectrophotometric analysis. Based on FTIR spectra, prolonged pyrolysis of mahang wood decreases oxygenated and aliphatic groups, while increasing aromatic structures, reflecting enhanced aromatization and structural stability in the resulting pyrolysis products. Consequently, mahang wood possesses considerable potential as an affordable and eco-friendly raw material for producing liquid smoke, while also increasing the added value of local forest resources that are not fully utilized.