Alternative to latent catalysts for curing UF resins used in the production of low formaldehyde emission wood-based panels

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Nuno Costa (Author) FEUP; João Pereira (Author) Other; Jorge Martins (Author) FEUP; João Ferra (Author) FEUP; Paulo Cruz (Author) Other; Fernão Magalhães (Author) FEUP; Adélio Mendes (Author) FEUP; Luísa Carvalho (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

Vol. 33

Pages: 56-60

ISSN: 0143-7496

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 47 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 52 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Chemical engineering

Associated Projects

EO_Formaldehyde - Concepção de sistemas adesivos taylor-made para o fabrico de painéis de madeira de baixa emissão de formaldeído

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-CW4

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2011.11.003

Abstract (EN): This paper studies alternative catalysts to ammonium sulfate for curing urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. When using a latent catalyst like ammonium sulfate, hexamine is formed as by-product of curing reaction. It is believed that hexamine hydrolysis may contribute to formaldehyde release during the life-time of wood-based panels produced with UF resins. Orthophosphoric acid, on the other hand, catalyzes resin cure without by-product formation and was compared to ammonium sulfate. The pot-life of adhesives with both catalysts was evaluated at 40 degrees C with a Brookfield rheometer. Mechanical resistance tests performed with ABES (Automated Bonding Evaluation System) showed that orthophosphoric acid effectively catalyzes UF resin cure. Particleboards were produced using both catalysts and the most important properties evaluated, according to European Standards: formaldehyde content, internal bond, moisture content, thickness swelling and density. Particleboards cured with orthophosphoric acid and stored under forceful conditions of humidity and temperature presented similar internal bond and lower formaldehyde content than those produced with ammonium sulfate.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5