Lignonsulfonate-phenolformaldehyrde adhesive: a potential binder for wood panel industries

Spent sulfite liquor (SSL) was obtained from a paper mill based on grassy pulp material (bagasse, kaigrass and wheat straws). Lignosulfonate (LS) was isolated from SSL by polymerization reaction, initiated with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Different adhesives were prepared by gradual replacement of phenol by LS in phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resole resin. The strength of these resins was evaluated by glue block shear test in two wood species, in both dry and wet states. Maximum shear strength and wood failure was obtained by 20% addition of lignosulfonate to PF resin. No significant difference was observed in shear strength and wood failure of the two wood species in dry and wet states indicating that the resin obtained is waterproof. The results obtained from this study were compared with different commercial glues. Our results were found better than these glues event at a ratio 50: 50 of PF to lignosulfonate. (author)