Formaldehyde Emission Levels Research Articles

Dichotomy of predictor variables of indoor air quality and prevailing public perception of green living space – A preliminary assessment

Indoor environmental quality has a profound effect on human health and productivity. In this respect, this study evaluates indoor air quality in terms of its various parameters in sustainably built homes in three different locations. A supplementary study to examine the formaldehyde emission levels from furniture with three different finishes was also undertaken. A questionnaire-based survey was then conducted to evaluate the general public perception of the prevailing indoor air quality in the three locations. The results revealed that temperature, relative humidity, indoor air speed, particulate matter (PM10), CO2, NO2, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and formaldehyde (HCHO) readings were not significantly different between the three locations and were below the existing limit allowed for indoor environmental quality. However, the HCHO emission was the highest from furniture with the two-layer coatings, followed by single layer coating, and finally the furniture with the veneer overlay. It was noteworthy that the general public’s awareness and knowledge of indoor air quality was relatively poor, except for the tertiary level educated respondents. In this regard, policymakers need to increase the awareness and knowledge of indoor environmental quality among the general public, if non-compliance is to be detected and promptly addressed.

Influence of Activated Charcoal Addition on the Adhesion, Emission, Physical, Mechanical, and Biological Properties of Particleboard

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of bagasse-activated charcoal for reduced formaldehyde emissions and their effect on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of particleboard. Activated charcoal was made by carbonizing bagasse at 300°C for 2.5 h, followed by carbon activation using a 0.1M HCl solution for 24 h. Particleboards were made of a mixture of bagasse and wood particles with a ratio of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. The concentrations of activated charcoal used in manufacturing particleboards were 2, 4, and 6% based on the dry weight of the particles. Particleboards were made with a target density of 0.7 g/cm³ and hot-pressed at 140°C for 10 min with a pressure of 35 kg/cm2. The observed parameters were formaldehyde emission levels, physical properties, mechanical properties, and biological properties of particleboards. The results showed that the more activated charcoal added in the manufacture of particleboards decreased formaldehyde emissions of the panel. Based on the SNI 5008.2:2016, the overall formaldehyde emission value of particleboard in this study with activated charcoal is in the F* category. The addition of activated charcoal improved the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of particleboards in terms of increased density, decreased water content, water absorption, and thickness swelling, increased modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bonding, and screw withdrawal, as well as increased resistance to termites. The particleboard with the addition of 6% activated charcoal showed better mechanical, physical, and biological properties. All physical and mechanical properties of particleboard met the JIS A 5908-2003 Type 8 standards, except for the modulus of elasticity. Keywords: Activated charcoal, bagasse, biological properties, formaldehyde emission, mechanical properties, particleboard, physical properties

Effects of Activated Carbon on Medium Density Fiber Board Properties

The negative effects of formaldehyde emission in MDF production on human health are known, and therefore many scientists are working to reduce formaldehyde emissions. In this study, the effects of MDF plates on formaldehyde emission were investigated by adding different amounts of activated carbon into urea formaldehyde resin during the synthesis phase.
 
 First, the gelation time behavior of the resin was studied by observing the pH, gelation time, solid content, flow time and viscosity of the modified resin in comparison to the standard reference resin which has no activated carbon inside. The dosing of the activated charcoal in the dry resin was kept at 1wt%, 3wt% and 5wt%. After that modified resin was used in the production of 40x40 cm2 MDF samples by using laboratory scale press line with full automation system. İnternal bonding strength, surface soundness, screw holding resistance, water absorption and thickness swelling were also measured in addition to the main interested parameter formaldehyde emission level which is determined via spectrometric technique following an extraction procedure.
 
 Threshold values for activated carbon were determined to be 1wt%. Formaldehyde emission level was observed where addition of 1wt% activated carbon into the urea formaldehyde adhesive decreased the formaldehyde emission 52% comparison to reference whereas addition of activated carbon at above its threshold level provided 47% decreasing.

Valorization of Solanum Elaeagnifolium Cavanilles Weeds as a New Lignocellulosic Source for the Formulation of Lignin-Urea-Formaldehyde Wood Adhesive

ABSTRACT Solanum Elaeagnifolium Cavanilles (SE-Cav) is an invasive plant that has been developed in Mediterranean basin countries especially in Morocco. This weeds which belongs to lignocellulosic biomass allows possibility to insulate lignin. This work attempts to isolate lignin from SE-Cav applying alkali treatment. The obtained lignin was characterized by different complementary analysis (FT-IR; 1H NMR; 13C NMR; EDX-SEM and TGA/DTG). On the other hand, lignin was subjected to wood adhesive formulation as partial substitution to urea-formaldehyde (UF). Lignin to UF ratio was (5:95, 10:90, 15:85 and 20:80; w:w). Particleboards bonded with optimal lignin: UF (15:85; w:w) adhesive exhibited excellent mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and internal bond strength) compared to other formulations and control (lignin:UF, 0:100; w:w). Besides, the optimal formulation shows the same behaviours in wet conditions compared to control UF. Moreover, particleboards bonded with the optimal formulation lignin: UF (15:85; w:w) showed a significant decrease in formaldehyde emission levels as compared to control UF.

Investigating the characteristics of cactus seeds by-product and their use as a new filler in phenol formaldehyde wood adhesive

The current study investigates the properties of cactus waste seeds (CWS) unexplored by-product as partial replacement of phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesives in comparison to previously used olive stones (OS) for the production of wood composites. The chemical composition, structure, and thermal properties of CWS were studied for the first time to evaluate their suitability for incorporation into PF resins. The bonding strength, wood failure, and rheological properties of the formulated adhesives were investigated as well as the mechanical properties of the plywoods panels. The results showed that CWS could be considered as a new lignocellulosic resource, showing a higher amount of cellulose content (27%) compared to OS (15%). The crystallinity and thermal stability were higher in CWS, which was expected to improve the performance of the formulated adhesives positively. Moreover, the resins containing 10% and 15% of CWS and OS, respectively, showed comparable bonding strength and wood failure to that of a control PF resin. While plywood bonded with 10% of CWS:PF resin showed better mechanical performance in dry, cold, and 8h boiling water conditions than other adhesives, formaldehyde emission levels of bonded panels with both formulations were lower than those of a control PF. • Cactus waste seeds (CWS) were used to partially substitute PF-resins. • The chemical compositions of CWS are rich in lignin (37%) and cellulose (27%). • Crystallinity and thermal stability of CWS were higher compared to olive stones (OS). • PF-resin filled with CWS and OS showed good mechanical and rheological properties. • The optimal adhesives were practical for plywood application.

Novel environment friendly olive pomace-cyclohexanone formaldehyde composite resin

PurposeCyclohexanone-formaldehyde resin (CFR) was in situ modified with olive pomace (OP) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The purpose of this study is to produce eco-friendly OP modified cyclohexanone composite resins (OPCFCR) with a one-step method that has higher condensation reaction temperature than CFR. The water absorption properties, gloss value and cross-cut adhesion properties of the product were investigated.Design/methodology/approachCyclohexanone, formalin (37% aqueous solution) and tannin were mixed and 20% aqueous NaOH solution was added to produce the resin. OP has environmentally friendly bio-based lignin, cellulose and phenolic compounds and the OP structure has been incorporated into the structure of the CFR resin during the in situ modification, such as resole resin and polysaccharide. The weights of pomace were used as 5% and 10% of the weight of cyclohexanone in cyclohexanone-formaldehyde composite resins, respectively.FindingsThere is an improvement in the properties of the OPCFCR produced from an agricultural waste that is very abundant in Gulf of Edremit region of Balikesir. The OPCFCRs were soluble in common organic solvents. The product OPCFCR has a dark red-brown color.Research limitations/implicationsThe reaction mixture must be stirred continuously. Subsequently, 37% formalin was added dropwise in total while refluxing. The amount of aqueous NaOH solution is limited as the formed resin may become insoluble in common organic solvents. At the end of the reaction, a water-insoluble resin is obtained.Practical implicationsThis study provides the application of ketonic resins. The OPCFCR containing phenolic groups may also promote the adhesive strength of a coating.Social implicationsThese resins may be used for the preparation of adhesive. OP, with a large amount of catechol groups, was considered for reducing the formaldehyde emission level on the adhesive system.Originality/valueOPCFCR has been synthesized in the presence of a base catalyst. Environmental and ecological concerns have increased the attention paid by chemical industry to renewable raw materials.

Effect of Veneer-Drying Temperature on Selected Properties and Formaldehyde Emission of Birch Plywood.

In this study, the effect of the veneer-drying process at elevated temperatures on selected properties and formaldehyde emission of plywood panels was determined. We assume that during the veneer drying at high temperatures, more formaldehyde is released from it, and therefore, a lower formaldehyde emission can be expected from the finished plywood. Prior to bonding, birch veneers were dried at 160 °C (control) and 185 °C in an industrial veneer steam dryer (SD) and at 180 °C, 240 °C and 280 °C in an industrial veneer gas dryer (GD). Two types of adhesives were used: urea–formaldehyde (UF) and phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resins. Bonding quality, bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending, water absorption and thickness swelling of plywood samples were determined. The formaldehyde emission level of samples was also measured. It was concluded from the study that the effects of veneer-drying temperatures on the bonding strength and physical and mechanical properties of plywood panels were significant. Veneer-drying temperatures of 185 °C/SD, 180 °C/GD and 240 °C/GD negatively affected the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity along and across the fibres for both UF and PF plywood samples. Bonding strength mean values obtained from all test panels were above the required value (1.0 MPa) indicated in EN 314-2 standard. The lowest formaldehyde emissions for the UF and PF plywood samples were observed in the samples from veneer dried in a steam dryer at 185 °C/SD.

Novel environmentally friendly tannin-cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin for high performance applications

PurposeCyclohexanone-formaldehyde resin (CFR) was in situ modified with tannin (T) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The purpose of this study is to produce eco-friendly tannin-modified cyclohexanone resins (TCFR) with a one-step method that has higher decomposition temperature than CFR. The solubility, molecular weight and thermal properties of the product were investigated.Design/methodology/approachCyclohexanone, formalin (37 per cent aqueous solution) and tannin were mixed and 20 per cent aqueous NaOH solution was added to produce the resin. Tannin has environmentally friendly bio-based phenolic compounds that the tannin structure has been incorporated into the structure of the cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin during the in situ modification of resin, such as resole resin.FindingsThe improvement of the properties of the TCFRs produced from condensed tannin. TCFRs were soluble in common organic solvents. The product TCFR has a dark red colour.Research limitations/implicationsThe reaction mixture must be stirred continuously. Subsequently, 37 per cent formalin was added drop-wise in total while refluxing. The amount of aqueous NaOH solution of it is limited, as the formed resin may become insoluble in common organic solvents. At the end of the reaction, a water-soluble resin is obtained. Then, the water of water phase was removed from TCFR reaction system, successively by evaporating with rotary evaporator.Practical implicationsThis study provides the application of ketonic resins. The TCFR containing tannin groups may also promote the adhesive strength of a coating.Social implicationsThese resins may be used for the preparation of adhesive. Condensed tannin, with a large amount of Catechol groups was considered for reducing the formaldehyde emission level on the adhesive system.Originality/valueTCFR has been synthesised in the presence of a base catalyst. Environmental and ecological concerns have increased the attention paid by chemical industry to renewable raw materials.

Effect of the initial F/U molar ratio in urea-formaldehyde resins synthesis and its influence on the performance of medium density fiberboard bonded with them

The formaldehyde to urea molar ratio (F/U) plays an important role on the properties of urea formaldehyde (UF) resins and of the medium density fiber board (MDFs) bonded with them. This work presents a hypothesis that besides the final F/U molar ratio in UF resin preparation, the initial F/U affects both the formaldehyde emission levels and the physico-mechanical properties of the boards. Three initial molar ratios F/U of 1.9, 2.1 and 2.3 in resin synthesis have been examined in this work. The structural changes and thermal curing behavior of UF resins were tracked by 13C NMR and DSC, respectively. At parity of final F/U molar ratio, the resin with initial F/U = 2.1 yielded the highest proportion of linear methylol groups, resulted in the best internal bond strength and lowest thickness swelling of the board. A resin synthesized with the initial F/U = 1.9 provided the highest proportion of total methylene linkages, most methylene ether linkage and lowest free formaldehyde, consistently yielding the lowest formaldehyde emission. These results partially explained why UF resins with lower F/U molar ratios showed relatively poor adhesion when used to manufacture wood-based composites. MDFs bonded with a UF resin having the initial F/U = 2.3 had a relatively good performance with the exception of free formaldehyde, but also showed the best storage stability compared to the other resins having lower initial F/U molar ratios.

Effect of microfibrillated cellulose addition on thermal properties of three grades of urea-formaldehyde resin

Three grades of liquid urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin with different formaldehyde emission levels such as super E0 (SE0), E0 and E1 were modified by adding different amounts of microfibrillated cellulose (5wt% MFC and 95wt% water) that had been isolated by mechanical disintegration of pulp fibers. Thermal properties of these UF resins were investigated to understand thermal curing and degradation behaviors of the modified UF resins, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The DSC thermograms showed an exothermic curing reaction, and the curing peak temperature of modified UF resins heavily depended on the emission resin grade with an increasing order from E1, E0 to SE0. The addition of MFC suspension into the UF resins gradually increased curing peak temperature suggesting a decrease in the resin reactivity. TGA results showed three main thermal degradation temperatures for the modified UF resins except the SE0 UF resin, which had four degradation temperatures.

Lignin degradation and stability: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) analysis throughout processing

This work investigates the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emissions during the processing of composite of polyamide 6 (PA) bio-filled with technical lignin. This is of prime interest as volatile phenolic structural monomers issued from lignin could penetrate the human organism and cause undesirable health damages. A special attention is given to the measurement of formaldehyde as it is known to be a human carcinogen. Lignin main identified emission consists of a high level of formaldehyde and a large amount of complex substituted phenol and benzene, all representative and constitutive of its structure. Regarding the PA alone, it has been found that the predominant VOC product is ε-caprolactam. When filling PA6 with lignin, the emitted VOCs associated to this filler are mainly produced during the extrusion while, only traces are detected during the injection process. Formaldehyde emission level is three times higher during the injection than during the extrusion. Phenols and some remaining reactants used during industrial cellulosic extraction process are identified. Regarding the value of the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL), suitable industrial process, safety and hygiene rules must be adopted.

Formaldehyde emission and VOCs from LVLs produced with three grades of urea-formaldehyde resin modified with nanocellulose

Three grades of liquid urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins with different formaldehyde emission (HCHO) levels such as super E0 (SE0), E0 and E1 were modified by adding different amounts of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC, 5 wt%). The laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) were produced from the unmodified and modified SE0, E0, and E1 grade resins. The total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and HCHO of the LVLs were determined at 25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C for 30 min using a thermal extractor. The highest VOC emitted from the LVLs was found to be toluene, followed by xylene, benzene, and ethyl-benzene, respectively. Styrene, however, was not detected at all in any of the systems. The incorporation of the MFC into the SE0 up to 30 wt% significantly decreased the formaldehyde emission from of the UF resin while this not observed for E0 and E1 grade resins. The TVOC from the LVLs considerably decreased with increasing MFC content at 25 °C and 35 °C. The use of MFC in the UF resin can be environmentally friendly solution for reducing the TVOC from the wood-based panels, in particular for indoor furniture at 25 °C and 35 °C.

Glulam Properties of Fast-growing Species Using Mahogany Tannin Adhesive

Manufacturing glued laminated timber (glulam) can help overcome the limited availability of large-sized timber, and the use of bio-adhesives may resolve environmental problems associated with synthetic adhesives containing high formaldehyde contents. Tannin adhesive is a bio-adhesive that can be used as alternative glue in the manufacture of glulam. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of glulam made with mahogany (Swietenia sp.) tannin adhesive and wood from three fast-growing species, namely pine (Pinus merkusii), jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba), and sengon (Falcataria moluccana). Glulam (3 cm × 6 cm × 120 cm in thickness, width, and length, respectively) was manufactured with three layers of lamina. The physical and mechanical properties of the glulams were tested based on relevant standards. The results showed that pine glulam fulfilled the standard for the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity, while sengon glulam met the standard for shear strength. In the delamination test, sengon glulam was resistant to immersion in cold water and hot water. All glulams had low formaldehyde emission levels and therefore fulfilled the standard requirements. The results showed that the tannin adhesive from mahogany bark was equal in quality to methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate for glulam manufacturing.

Adhesives formulated from bark bio-crude and phenol formaldehyde resole

Rather than replacing phenol in the synthesis of PF resole, bark-derived bio-crudes were used as an adhesive constituent by simply formulation with neat PF adhesive in this study. Bio-crude derived from white birch bark (WBB)—a typical hardwood bark and white spruce bark (WSP)—a typical softwood bark were blended with neat PF adhesive to prepare bark bio-crude formulated bio-phenol formaldehyde (BPF) adhesive (designated as bio-crude formulated BPF adhesive). It was discovered that the viable formulation ratio between bark bio-crude and neat PF adhesive depended on the bark species. WBB bio-crude could be formulated with neat PF adhesive at a formulation ratio of 50:50 (wt/wt), while WSP bio-crude can be formulated with neat PF adhesive at a higher formulation ratio up to 75:25 (wt/wt). The peak curing temperatures of the bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives were lower than that of neat PF adhesive. Activation energy for the curing of WBB bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives was higher than that for the curing of neat PF adhesive, while WSP bio-crude formulated BPF adhesive required less activation energy for curing than neat PF adhesive. Condensation between bio-crude and neat PF adhesive occured during the pre-curing process at 125°C and was confirmed by FTIR spectra. Interestingly, the introduction of bio-crude enhanced the thermal stability of the bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives at low temperatures, but as expected, thermal stability of the bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives reduced at higher temperatures and a higher formulation ratio led to lower thermal stability. At a same formulation ratio, WSP bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives showed better thermal stability than WBB bio-crude. More interestingly, the free formaldehyde emission level of 3-ply plywood bonded by bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives, in particular with the WSP bio-crude, was lower than that of the neat PF adhesive bonded plywood. Free formaldehyde emission levels from 3-ply plywood bonded with WSP bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives at the formulation ratios of 50:50 (wt/wt) and 75:25 (wt/wt) reached JIS F*** level. However, bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives reduced the tension shear strength of bonded 3-ply plywood, in particular at higher formulation ratios. At the same bio-crude formulation ratio, WSP bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives gave better tension shear strength for 3-ply plywood than the WBB bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives. Nevertheless, 3-ply plywoods bonded with bark bio-crude formulated BPF adhesives at a ratio up to 50:50 (wt/wt) still met the JIS standards with respect to tension shear strength.

Influence of Ammonium Pentaborate (APB) on the Performance of Urea Formaldehyde (UF) Adhesives for Plywood

Ammonium pentaborate (APB) was used to modify urea formaldehyde (UF) resins, in which the formaldehyde to urea molar ratio was set at 1.80, 1.50, 1.25, and 1.05. Some specific properties, including gel time, free formaldehyde content in UF, bond strength, and formaldehyde emission levels from plywood were evaluated. The result showed that APB increased the gel time length, but also decreased free formaldehyde content and emission levels, which was reduced mostly by 79.0% and 81.4%, respectively. The result of bond strength indicated that APB was proper to modify high F/U molar ratio of UF resin regardless of the loading level, but a recommended loading level should be considered to relevantly lower the F/U molar ratio of UF. The suggested loading level of APB to UF is 8.0% to 6.0%, 6.0%, and 4.0% to UF resin with F/U molar ratio of 1.8, 1.5, and 1.25 separately.

Цеолитный наполнитель, активированный в электромагнитных полях, для производства фанеры

In the course of this work the reduction of emissions of free formaldehyde from the finished plywood is identified, as well as an increase in shear strength to the adhesive layer. Obtained effects in the manufacture of plywood are due to the use of adhesive compositions using natural zeolite sorbent filler – clinoptilolite, previously activated in various electromagnetic fields (fields of over high frequency and weak pulsed magnetic fields). The optimal processing modes of minerals with electromagnetic fields are defined, providing an optimum ratio of values ​​of free formaldehyde emission levels and shear strength to the adhesive layer. The results indicate the possibility of industrial use of the developed techniques.

The Effects of Adding Melamine at Different Resin Synthesis Points of Low Mole Ratio Urea-Melamine-Formaldehyde (UMF) Resins

Low mole ratio urea-melamine-formaldehyde (UMF) resins synthesized with 2.5% and 5.0% melamine levels added at the beginning, middle, and end points of the first alkaline step of the typical urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin synthesis procedure were compared with typical UMF resins synthesized with melamine additions made at the final alkaline step. Various resin analysis, particleboard preparation, physical performance, and formaldehyde emission level tests were carried out. UMF resins synthesized with melamine additions at the beginning of the first alkaline step showed adequate storage lives of 2 to 3 weeks, and their particleboard bonding tests showed small but significant improvements in water soak test values, while formaldehyde content values were slightly higher in comparison with typical UMF resins. The particleboards showed adequate board strength and the formaldehyde contents were relatively low to qualify for the E1 Class of European Standards. UMF resins synthesized with melamine addition made at the middle and end of the first alkaline step were highly turbid and showed chemical structure differences and very short storage lives and the resin synthesis procedures were concluded to be of little practical value.

Scavengers for achieving zero formaldehyde emission of wood-based panels

This work examines the performance of three formaldehyde scavengers in wood-based panels. Sodium metabisulfite, ammonium bisulfite and urea were applied in different physical forms during particleboard production, and the resulting physico-mechanical properties (internal bond strength, thickness swelling, density and moisture content) and formaldehyde emission levels were compared. Formaldehyde content was measured using the perforator method, and formaldehyde emission was evaluated both by desiccator and gas analysis methods. The chemical reactions involved in each formaldehyde scavenging process are proposed and discussed. The tested scavengers showed distinct performances under the different emission testing conditions, which were interpreted in terms of the stability of the chemical compounds formed upon formaldehyde capture. Sodium metabisulfite proved to be an excellent scavenger for all formaldehyde methods allowing the production of particleboard panels with zero formaldehyde emission.

Reduction of formaldehyde emission from plywood

The aim of this work is to evaluate performances of tannin-based resins designed as adhesive in the plywood production. For this purpose, a part of phenol formaldehyde (PF) and melamine formaldehyde (MF) in the classic adhesive formulation was replaced by tannin. The physical properties of the formulated resins (rheological characterization, etc.) were measured. In order to analyze the mechanical performance of tannin-based resins, plywood panels were produced and the mechanical properties including tensile strength wood failure and three-point bending strength were investigated. The performance of these panels is comparable to those of plywood panels made by commercial PF and MF. The results showed that the plywood panels bonded with tannin–PF (PFT) and tannin–MF (MFT) resins exhibited better mechanical properties in comparison to the plywood panels made of commercials PF and MF. The introduction of small properties of tannin in PF and MF resins contribute to the improvement of the water performance of these adhesives. The formaldehyde emission levels obtained from panels bonded with tannin-based resins were lower than those obtained from panels bonded with control PF and MF. Although there are no actual reaction at all between PF, MF, and tannin, addition of tannin significantly improves the water resistance of PF and MF resins. This is a novel finding that manifests the possibility of replacing a convention PF and MF resins by tannin. Modified adhesive is one of the goals in the plywood production without changing any of their production conditions with improvement to their overall properties.

Mechanical characterization of industrial particleboard panels glued with cornstarch–mimosa tannin–urea formaldehyde resins

The aim of this work was to validate the utility and performance of optimal laboratory cornstarch–mimosa tannin-based resins in the industrial particleboard production. In this way, the cornstarch and mimosa tannin was introduced in the classic adhesive formulation in order to supply a part of urea-formaldehyde (UF). Our results show that industrial particleboard panels (8.2 m × 1.85 m × 19 mm) bonded with optimal cornstarch–mimosa tannin–UF (10:4:86; mass ratio) resins exhibited comparable mechanical properties to those of boards bonded with commercial UF resins and largely satisfied the exigencies of European norms EN 312. The formaldehyde emission levels obtained from panels bonded with cornstarch–mimosa tannin–UF were lower to those obtained from panels bonded with control UF. Finally, the addition of cornstarch and mimosa tannin improves markedly the water resistance of UF resins.