Whey-based polyether polyols as modifiers of phenol—formaldehyde resins

Abstract

The disposal of whey permeate (deproteinized whey/lactose) from the cheese industry represents a serious economic and environmental problem in the United States. The feasibility of replacing part of the phenol and formaldehyde in phenol—formaldehyde thermosetting resins by lactose/lactose derivatives in the resin formulation has been explored. Results indicate that polyols derived from lactose might be incorporated in the resin formulation without substantially affecting the wet shear strength of southern pine plywood bonded with these whey modified resins. It appears that up to 50% substitution of phenol (by weight) by the modifier in the formulation can be accomplished before significant loss of the wet-strength is observed. The modifier could also serve to reduce the amount of formaldehyde in the formulation.