Nanocellulose-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde resin for plywood panel production

The search for new technologies to improve adhesives and the properties of reconstituted wood panels is constant, and nanotechnology is a tool for this purpose. The aim of this study is investigating the effect of adding nanocellulose in the formulation of the adhesive phenol-formaldehyde on the physico-mechanical properties of Pinus taeda plywood panels. Three ratios of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) were added to the adhesive formulation used to produce plywood panels: 0,026 %; 0,038 % or 0,064 %. The panels were tested according to the European standards; apparent density, resistance to parallel and perpendicular flexure and glue line shear strength were determined after 6 hours of boiling and after the boiling cycle for the 1st glue line (face) and 2nd glue line (core). The use of NFC in the adhesive caused an increase of viscosity and reduction of the gel time of the adhesive. The apparent density of the panels was not influenced by the addition of NFC, but the properties of parallel bending, perpendicular flexing and glue line shear were sensitive to the addition of NFC. The NR2 treatment (0,038 % NFC) presented the best results in the mechanical tests.