Utilization of nanotalc modified adhesives in plywood panels

Abstract

As an alternative for the partial replacement of synthetic adhesives are the modifications that occur still during their synthesis, to improve and adhere new properties. Among the possible materials used in nanoscale, talc is a mineral material of natural origin and a promising raw material due to its low cost, lightness, natural hydrophobicity. Due to the scarcity of studies with the insertion of nanotalc in adhesives, this study aimed to produce plywood panels bonded with phenol-formaldehyde adhesive nanomodified with talc to evaluate its physical-mechanical resistance when compared to conventional synthetic adhesives. To carry out this study, three Pinus oocarpa trees with 28 years of age were used. Different concentrations of talc were used in the formulation with the phenol-formaldehyde adhesive, being the treatments 0; 0,05; 1; 1,5 and 2 % of talc (mass/mass) in relation to the adhesive, with three panels per treatment, totaling 15 panels. The pressing time was 8 minutes with temperature of 160 ºC and pressure of 1 MPa. The physical-chemical characteristics of the lignocellulosic material and of the plywood panels were determined. The quality of the adhesive produced was demonstrated by its resistance to water absorption with the insertion of up to 2 % talc to the adhesive, reducing it considerably. From 1 % talc inserted, the plywood panels had their mechanical characteristics superior to those glued with pure phenol-formaldehyde adhesive. However, as the study is innovative in nature, further research should focus on the application and quality evaluation of other talc nanomodified adhesives on different types of wood panels.