Response Surface Methodology as an Approach to Optimize the Preparation of Maize Straw Panels Applying Soy-based Adhesives

In this study, maize straw was used to prepare formaldehyde-free panels with soy-based adhesives. Influences of adhesive amount, hot-pressing time, temperature and pressure on the internal bonding strength were optimized by applying response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that based on experimental mathematical model, the optimum hot-pressing conditions were obtained. Adhesive amount was 14%, hot-pressing pressure was 3.0 MPa, hot-pressing temperature was 126 °C, hot-pressing time was 28 s/mm. The actual internal bonding strength was 0.52 MPa while the predicted value was 0.51 MPa, indicating that the experimental mathematical model was accurate and reliable. (paper)