Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Commercialization of a Formaldehyde-free Soy-based Adhesive for Production of Plywood
EPA Contract Number: EPD11069Title: Commercialization of a Formaldehyde-free Soy-based Adhesive for Production of Plywood
Investigators: Kesinger, Nicholas
Small Business: Lao K LLC
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2013
Project Amount: $224,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2011) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Green Buildings
Description:
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
The soy-NCA adhesive can be used for commercial production of plywood under hot-press conditions that are commonly used for UF resins. No modifications of existing production lines in plywood plants are needed. The adhesive usage is lower than that of UF resins. Neither the purity nor particle sizes of the NCA has significant impacts on plywood properties. The types of soy flour have significant impacts on the plywood properties. The soy-NCA mixture can be stored for at least one year without losing its superior adhesive properties. The soy-NCA adhesive can bond all wood veneers commonly used for interior plywood such as pine, fir, yellow poplar, oak, and maple very well. The adhesive works better for cold veneers than for hot veneers.
Conclusions:
After 2 years of hard work, Lao K LLC has successfully commercialized this soy-NCA adhesive for production of various interior plywood panels. We have successfully developed the first commercially viable, environmentally friendly, 100 percent natural material-based (i.e., petrochemical-independent), cost-competitive, strong and water-resistant, superior wood adhesive in the long history of wood adhesives. We have successfully achieved the goal of this project. The success of this project will greatly improve indoor air quality, and our working and living environments, significantly reduce the use of petrochemicals in building materials, and greatly enhance global competitiveness of the U.S. wood composite manufacturers.
Supplemental Keywords:
soy flour, wood adhesives, formaldehyde-free, plywood, green buildingsSBIR Phase I:
Mill Trials of a Novel Formaldehyde-Free Soy-Based Wood Adhesive for Making PlywoodThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.