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Did you know how plant starch becomes a powerful adhesive for wood?
The connection between wood in buildings, furniture and works of art is inseparable from powerful wood adhesives. As technology advances, the formulations of these adhesives continue to evolve, and now even plant starches can be transformed into reliable adhesives. This change not only improves the application performance of wood, but also pays more and more attention to environmental protection requirements.
During the formation of kimchi, plant starch forms a sticky gel-like substance when heated and mixed with water.
The evolution of wood adhesives
In the earliest times, animal proteins such as casein and collagen were used to make glue. These early glues solidified as they dried, making them ideal for woodworking applications. Over time, vegetable starch binders such as flour and potato starch also became widely used. These plant-based adhesives are commonly used in books and paper products, although they are less durable than animal-based adhesives.
In modern woodworking, polyvinyl alkylate (PVA) and epoxy resin are the most common wood adhesives. Some synthetic resins (i.e., adhesives) used in the production of composite wood products may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
According to 2021 data, nearly 95% of synthetic adhesives in the wood panel industry come from petroleum, mainly based on raw materials such as urea, phenol and melaramine.
Applications of plant starch
The application of plant starch in adhesives is mainly reflected in its cost-effectiveness. These adhesives are less expensive and offer good mechanical strength, so they are commonly used in a variety of woodworking projects. The process of making plant starch adhesives involves the combination of heat and water, which not only improves the stability of the adhesive but also increases the strength of the final product.
During this process, the gelatinization of starch helps form a tight adhesive and significantly reduces its brittleness after drying. Compared with traditional animal-based adhesives, plant starch provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, which is in line with current society's needs for ecological protection.
Introduction to various types of wood adhesives
Animal-based adhesive
Animal glues, especially horn glue and leather glue, are among the oldest adhesives in woodworking. Made from collagen found in animal fur, it is not only non-toxic but can also be used to repair special applications such as musical instrument restoration.
Urea-Formaldehyde
Widely used in wood panels and synthetic materials, this resin adhesive works inexpensively and provides a high-strength bond. However, its performance degrades rapidly in hot and humid environments.
Urea-formaldehyde adhesives are also disadvantageous in terms of emissions. The exhaust emissions during their production process are higher than other types of adhesives.
Resin-Formaldehyde
This adhesive is known for its high strength and durability and has historically been used extensively in aircraft and exterior wood. Although the mixing process is tedious and toxic, its excellent properties still find its place in certain applications.
Polyurethane adhesive
Polyurethane is increasingly used for its ability to bond a variety of materials, including metals and plastics. Due to its expanding nature, it is particularly effective on joints that are not completely tight.
Adhesive performance and testing
Different types of wood adhesives have their own advantages and disadvantages for different needs. Many woodworking professionals choose the right adhesive based on the specific needs of the project. For example, PVA glue is great for home and recreational projects, while epoxy is suitable for applications that require more strength.
After many tests, professional woodworking magazines pointed out that there are significant differences in the mechanical strength of wood joints between different types of adhesives.
Future Outlook
As sustainable development becomes a hot topic around the world, the development of plant-based wood adhesives will attract greater attention, and many companies are beginning to explore how to use agricultural waste to convert into efficient bioadhesives. In the future, these new plant-based products will help reduce the burden on the environment and open up new application areas in the wood industry.
Do you also want to know in what direction wood adhesives will develop in the future and change our lives?
