Preparation and Mechanical Characterization of Particleboard Made from Maritime Pine and Glued with Bio-adhesives Based on Cornstarch and Tannins♣

In this presented work, we describe the development and characterization of a new, environmentally friendly adhesive derived from cornstarch and tannins. The production of wood composites mainly relies on the petrochemical-based and formaldehyde-based adhesives such as urea formaldehyde (UF), phenol formaldehyde (PF) and melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF), which can generate under certain conditions, problems for health and environment. The aim of our work is to replace totally these synthetic resins. In order to evaluate the quality of cornstarch-tannin adhesives, particleboards were produced and physical and mechanical properties were investigated. These physical properties included rheological, thermogravimetric analysis and solid phase C NMR analysis of resins. Internal bond, surface soundness, modules of rupture and modulus of elasticity mechanical properties of particleboards bonded with cornstarch-tannin adhesives were also determined. Particleboards bonded with formaldehyde-free cornstarch-tannin adhesive showed comparable mechanical properties to the panels made with the commercial UF resins and satisfied the exigencies of panels for interior fittings used in dry medium (P2) according to European norms EN 312 (2004). Beyond 4 hours, rheological characterization show excellent structural stability of cornstarch-tannin adhesive.