Fecha de publicación: -- Fuente: Journal of applied polymer Lugar: RESEARCH ARTICLE In this study, glycerol- and diacid-based wood adhesives were synthesized and applied to Pinus elliottii wood residues for the manufacture of medium-density particleboards (MDP).

ABSTRACT
In this study, glycerol- and diacid-based adhesives were synthesized and applied in the manufacture of medium-density particleboards (MDP) using pine wood (Pinus elliottii). The adhesives used for panel manufacturing were poly(glycerol succinate) (PGSu), poly(glycerol maleate) (PGM), and poly(glycerol maleate-co-succinate) (PGMSu), applied at 20% relative to the dry weight of the wood particles. Thermal, physical, and chemical properties of the adhesives were characterized, while panels were evaluated in terms of particle distribution, moisture content, density, thickness swelling after 24 h, and bending strength. Digital microscopy provided qualitative evidence of predominantly adhesive failure in MDP/PGSu, brittle/adhesive failure in MDP/PGM, and predominantly brittle failure in MDP/PGMSu. The adhesives exhibited polyester characteristics and thermal stability up to approximately 280°C–310°C. The physical properties classified the panels as P2-type MDP for non-structural applications in dry conditions, according to NBR 14810-2:2024. However, not all evaluated properties met the corresponding normative requirements. Among the panels, MDP/PGMSu exhibited the highest bending strength, with a modulus of rupture of 9.45 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 1018.94 MPa. Overall, the results support the proof of concept of glycerol-based adhesives for MDP production, particularly PGMSu, although further optimization is required to meet all applicable requirements.