Thermal modification and adhesion in reforestation wood using structural adhesives

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermal treatment on the adhesion quality of bonded joints in high-density wood, specifically Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus pellita, using resorcinol formaldehyde and castor oil-based polyurethane adhesives. It was used at temperatures of 160 ºC, 180 ºC and 200 °C, being compared with a control batch. The percentage of failure in the wood was analyzed to evaluate the quality of the bonding. The castor oil-based polyurethane adhesive exhibited higher values of viscosity and solid content than resorcinol formaldehyde. Eucalyptus pellita showed higher shear strength values compared to Corymbia citriodora wood. The increase in temperature reduced the shear strength for both woods. The ratio between the strength of the bonded wood and solid wood, at the same treatment temperature, often exceeded one, indicating the formation of an adhesive-fiber composite, which enhances the strength of the bonded interface, especially for C. citriodora wood. Overall, there was better bonding of Eucalyptus pellita wood with resorcinol formaldehyde, and it exhibited less thermal degradation due to lower mass loss.