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Evaluation of pressing time in the production of edge glued panel with adhesive polyurethane derived from castor oil

Applied Adhesion Science volume 4, Article number: 9 (2016) Cite this article

Abstract

Edge-glued panels are composed by the lateral and top gluing with adhesives of solid battens. These panels use small pieces of wood, offering an optimal usage of forest resources and the development of higher value-added products. The adhesive generally used to produce the panels are the synthetic ones (PVA or EPI). The polyurethane derived from castor oil may arise an alternative to replace the adhesives derived from non-natural origin, because it has no solvent in its composition, is a biodegradable material and it comes from a renewable resource. The bonding quality of this panel was performed according to BS EN 13353, which specify the minimum resistance values for panels under different humidity and temperature conditions applied to the international market. In this context, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the lateral gluing quality of Pinus taeda panels using the polyurethane derived from castor oil, as well as assess the pressing time effect on the bonding quality. The adhesive was applied into the battens surface in weight of 180 g/m2. The panels were put into a cold press machine for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h, totalizing five conditions and eight together/replications. The bonding quality of this panel was performed according to BS EN 13353 and BS EN 13354, under different humidity and temperature conditions. The results were submitted to statistical analysis by outlier tests, normality test, homogeneity variance, analysis of variance and mean comparison, all with 95 % reliability. The polyurethane showed acceptable values to EN-13353 for 4 h in the press machine. The test for critical humidity and temperature conditions showed a reduction in the adhesive bond strength, but still acceptable to EN-13353. Under these circumstances, it is concluded that the polyurethane derived from castor oil may be an alternative to produce lateral glued panels for dry conditions and internal and external applications for humid conditions.

Background

Reconstituted wood products enables the forest resources conservation because they use the union of different wood sizes and shapes [1]. With the expanding use of these products, it is necessary to understand the interface interaction between the wood and the adhesive used to manufacture glued products [2].

Among the various reconstituted wood products, stands out the Edge Panel—”EGP”, is Among the reconstituted wood products, the Edge Panel—”EGP”, stands out, this panel is composed of battens, obtained from sawn wood, united by lateral gluing and may or may not be joined at the top by amendments such as finger joint [3]. The EGP adds value and increase its industrial productivity, due to the use of narrow or short battens that would be discarded by sawmills and flooring industries. The raw material can be better used, besides reduce costs, once the wood is the major production costs. [1, 2].

The Brazilian production of these panels comes from planted forest species of Pine, Eucalyptus and Teak. The Pine species, mainly Pinus taeda, are the most used due to its mass specific characteristics and its chemical properties suitable to bond, creating a satisfactory line of glue or a good performance [3, 4].

The adhesives most used in the battens bonding process are PVAc (polyvinyl acetate chloride) and EPI (polymeric emulsion of isocyanate) [5], which are petroleum-based, non-biodegradable and can cause damage to the human health and the environment. Adhesives derived from biomass, clean and biodegradable, come as an important alternative [6–8].

The polyurethane derived from castor oil do not cause damage to either humans or the environment, comes from a natural and renewable resource. The castor oil used in the manufacturing process of the adhesive is obtained from the seed of the “Ricinus communis” plant, found in tropical and subtropical regions, is an alternative to replace adhesives derived from non-natural origins [7, 9].

When evaluate new adhesives for bonding wood, it should consider several aspects, such as the adhesive interaction with the wood’s physical and chemical properties, the physicochemical properties of the adhesive formulation, weight, lifetime, cure type or polymerization pressing time, use conditions, among others.

The pressing time is an important parameter to be established, once the shorter the time, the higher the productivity will be, resulting in higher daily production with low energy consume [10]. The pressing time is determined by a big enough hardness to prevent the surfaces detachment, which may represent a well cured bond line and present a high wood failure percentage [11, 12].

To evaluate the pressing time effect on the quality on the surfaces bonding as well as if the adhesive is suitable for certain uses or has some moisture resistance, tests are performed under different conditions of temperature and humidity.

The European standard EN-204 establishes four resistance classes for adhesives: the D1 class comprises adhesives of interior use, for environments where the equilibrium moisture content do not exceed 15 %; D2 class includes adhesives of indoor use with fast and sporadic exposures to moisture, but the equilibrium moisture content should not exceed 18 %; D3 class includes adhesives of indoor use with quick but frequent exhibitions to moisture and outdoor adhesives with no direct weather exposure; and D4 class are indoor adhesives used with frequent and long-lasting exhibitions to moisture and outdoor ones used with adequate protection [13].

The European standard EN-13354 [14], on the other hand, describes the procedures for evaluation of bonding quality of solid wood panels. To classify them, it is necessary to do different treatments in water immersion at 20º for 24 h, if the panels is for dry conditions; boil for 6 h and cool it for 1 h in water at 20 °C if the panels are used in wet conditions; and a humidity and temperature cycle (boil for 4 h, then it is put into an oven for 16 to 20 h at 60 °C, then boil for over 4 h and one cool it time in water at 20 °C), if the panels are for outdoors use.

Considering the importance of an alternative adhesive for wood bonding, as well as the maximization of the production process due pressing time, this paper aims to evaluate the lateral gluing quality of Pinus taeda panels using the polyurethane derived from castor oil, as well as assess the pressing time effect on the bonding quality.

Methods

Materials

The Pinus taeda wood used was donated by BrasPine Madeiras Ltda Company. The wood was provided in form of flattened and dried battens with 31.5 cm (length) × 4.0 cm (width) × 2.5 cm (thickness), to make the bonded joints.

The adhesive used for bonding of the joists was the polyurethane derived from castor oil, Polibond®, donated by Cequil Company. For gluing the wood parts, the preparation of the polyurethane was according to the manufacturer’s orientations with weight proportion of polyol and prepolymer of 1: 1.

Methods

Apparent density of wood

The wood’s apparent density was determined by measuring the dimensions and weights of all the parts to be bonded according to standard COPANT 461 [15].

Bonding

The battens were bonded with polyurethane, which was applied with a spatula in one side of the parts in weight of 180 g/m2. The two pieces were pressed with 6.45 kgf/cm2 exerted by means of a torque wrench (30 Nm). The experiment consisted in the following pressing time: 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h, a total of 5 condition and 8 together/replications. After bonding, the joints were placed in a climatic chamber at 20 ± 3 °C and relative humidity of 65 ± 5 % for 30 days and then sectioned for preparation of specimens for evaluation of quality bonding, as shown in Fig. 1a. Were obtained 40 specimens per treatment, where for each pretreatment 10 of it were tested as samples and in the  format of  specimens, Fig. 1b, as suggested by the standard EN 13354 [14].

Fig. 1
figure 1

Sketches of the specimen in the glued battens: a measures according to EN 13354 and b real sample

Full size image

Treatment

The treatments determined by standard EN-13353 [14] and EN-13354 [16] for evaluation of bonding quality solid wood panels and adopted in this study were:

  • SPW/1—Dry conditions: 24 h in water (20 ± 3) °C;

  • SWP/2—Humid conditions: 6 h in boiling water, 1 h cooling in water (20 ± 3 °C);

  • External conditions: 4 h in boiling water—16 to 20 h drying (60 ± 3 °C)—4 h in boiling water—1 h cooling in water (20 ± 3 °C).

In addition to the treatments mentioned above were also tested, 10 specimen for dry test (air-conditioned temperature of 20 ± 3°°C and relative humidity of 65 ± 5 %), to serve as a benchmark and ignoring the adhesive resistance class for this purpose.

Mechanical tests

Shear strength tests on the glue line were conducted according to the procedures described in the standard EN-13354 [16] and the results were compared with the requirements established in standard EN-13353 [14]. The machine used was one of Universal Testing Machine Emic brand, with capacity of 2 tons. The test speed was 3 mm/min, so that the break of the test pieces occurred within the time range of 60 ± 30 s as prescribed by the standard adopted.

The evaluation of the wood failure percentages in the rupture surface of the glue line were made according to EN 314-1 [17].

Statistical treatment

It was used the statistical program Statgraphics Centurion 16.1.11 and the data submitted to Grubbs tests to assess the occurrence of outliers, Kolmogorov to test the adherence of data Bartlett for homogeneity of variance and analysis of variance. When rejected the null hypothesis was applied to compare the means of Tukey, with 95 % probability.

Results and discussion

The average apparent density of Pinus taeda was 553.29 kg/m3 with 14.17 % of coefficient of variation. According to USDA [18] the apparent density of this species had low values, but can be found differences due the influence of some variables such as different ages, origins, growing conditions and test methods. Klock [19] found apparent density values ranging from 364 to 467 kg/m3, Ballarin et al. [20] equal to 605 kg/m3 and Trianoski et al. [21] equal to 500 kg/m3.

According to Vick [3] softwoods are classified as easy woods to glue, with theoretically good penetration of adhesives. Iwakiri [1], adds that low-mass woods specifies have good permeability, which have significant influence on the adhesiveness between the materials, because the arrangement of the voids will end with the penetration of the adhesive, promoting a mechanical bond with the wood and the more permeable the largest timber will be the penetration of this in the cavities cell.

Table 1 shows the average shear strength results of the glue line shear stress, the 5th percentile lower and the percentage of failures in the wood after each treatment. It is noteworthy that the average of results to the mentioned properties for 1 h of pressing time for all treatments were not possible to determine, for during the phase of preparation of the specimens, after gluing, all broke glue line, resulting in a 0 % wood failure, characterized as a weak adhesive bond. Thus, it can be stated that the 1 h pressing time is insufficient to perform the wood bonding with polyurethane.

Table 1 Average results of the shear strength and percent of wood failure for the treatments, dry, humid, boiling and cycle
Full size table

The average strength of the glue line shear provided for 2 h pressing time was the lowest for all treatments (dry, wet, boiling and cycle), its values ranging from 1.54 to 2.38 MPa. Analyzing the 5th percentile lower the resistance of the side glue shear line, all treatments with this pressing time did not reach the minimum value of 2.5 MPa minimum requirement recommended by EN 13353 [16] for solid wood panels, featuring as a weak link. The percentage of wood failure got very low values ranging from 1 to 8 %, not reaching the minimum value of 40 % wood failure required by EN 13353 [16].

The 24-hour pressing time gave the highest shear strength values of the line of glue for wet and dry treatments (9.96 and 5.47 MPa). As for the boil treatment cycle, the highest values were found for 8 h pressing time (4.93 and 4.85 MPa). However, the 5th percentile lower than required by the standard in all treatments was greater for 24 h pressing time treatment. Regardless, for 4 h pressing time the requirement in the EN 13353 [16] to the 5th percentile less as it was fulfilled for all treatments, featuring polyurethane as a structural adhesive for this pressing time.

For dry treatment, it was found that the 24 h had the highest average pressing shear strength, however, is statistically equal to 8 h pressing time. The pressed together at time of 4 h, although they have been shown statistically less than the time 24 h had a high shear strength, as well as small differences in the lower 5th percentile. Since compared with the 8 h pressing time, the bonded joints with 4 h showed resistance statistically equal shear each other, showing that the permanence of the substrate by the double time under pressure is unnecessary or even six times more when the pressing time is 24 h, which directly implies productivity and energy consumption, high cost in the production process of the panels EGP items. Another fact to be noted that deserves special attention concerns the failure of the wood with the 4 h pressing time averaged 99 %, indicating that this condition the adhesive already promotes excellent adhesion and shows much stronger than wood.

In humid processing, i.e., testing of specimens after 24 h of immersion in water, except for 2 h pressing time, which identified that is insufficient time to promote the union of the substrates, were not found Statistically significant differences between the remaining time (4, 8 and 24 h), confirming that the 4 h time generates a good gluing quality. It was also observed that the values of the 5th percentile were very close between the three mentioned treatments and all meet the minimum requirement of 2.50 MPa, mentioned by EN-13353 [16]. For this test condition, it is noted further that there was a reduction in the mean wood failure (and resistance) actually provided by the action of water in the glue line, however, even with this reduction in the values, the panel it is approved according to the SWP/1 requirement and can be widely used in dry environments.

In relation to the treatment of 6 h boil with subsequent cooling in cold water for 1 h, it was found that the 8 h pressing time showed the highest mean value of shear strength being statistically equal to 24 h pressing time and statistically superior to 4 h pressing time and, consequently, to 2 h pressing time, which showed low performance. However, it appears that the 4 h pressing time is statistically equal to the 24 h pressing time indicating that this time may be adopted safely press on the panels. Except for the condition produced with 2 h pressing time, all the other times had five percentile lower than 2.50 MPa and approved by the reference standard for use in humid conditions (SWP/2). Low failure of wood were found, reflecting the negative effect of humidity and temperature on the samples.

In the course of treatment, except for the 2 h pressing time, it is observed statistically significant differences were found between the shear strength of other times. The three pressing time (4, 8 and 24 h) also showed a value of the lower five percentile higher than 2.50 MPa, indicating that the panels can be used outdoors. Low flaws in the wood were observed confirming the negative effect of drastic humidity temperature conditions.

In general, it is noted that as the samples/specimens are subjected to moisture and temperature there is no strength reduction and failure of the timber. This occurs due to the action of these agents in the line of glue, which promote the breakdown of the chemical, physical and mechanical connections between adhesive and wood.

Another factor relates to the coefficient of variation for samples, the 2 h pressing time provided a high variability. This variability can be explained by the low quality of bonding, generated by the poor penetration of the adhesive into wood as well as the incomplete polymerization under pressure, where small force variations supported by the body of evidence of this treatment resulted in high death rates. The increase in the number of specimens for treatment and test condition (pre-treatment) could reduce the range of values, however, it is noteworthy that the minimum sampling suggested by the standard was respected and under the same number of samples and test conditions, the treatment produced with only 2 h pressing showed high coefficient of variation, i.e., the variability is most associated to the pressing time than the number of specimens per treatment test condition.

In comparison with results available in the literature, Lopes et all [22] using single-component polyurethane adhesive for high frequency pressing scores a shear strength for the treatment of 9.02 MPa dry and is similar to that observed in this study.

Also in relation to the study of Lopes et all [22], to evaluate other types of adhesives, such authors obtained the following results shear: 8.17 MPa (PVAc) and 8.15 MPa (EPI). Silver [9] obtained shear strength values equal to 2.28 MPa for PVAc adhesive (dry). Comparing these results with those obtained in this research, it appears that the polyurethane adhesive derived from castor oil, is more resistant than the PVAc and the EPI, but in contrast, the pressing time is greater.

In general, it appears that from 4 h of pressing is not detected statistically significant differences for resistance to the glue line shear, indicating that this pressing time (4 h) is sufficient to obtain an adhesive bond with good resistance, which reaches the minimum requirement of the standard used for different usage conditions (dry interior, humid inside and outside). Thus, there is the need to spend more time and energy to produce laterally glued panels with polyurethane as well, are encouraged studies to evaluate intermediate pressing times between 2 and 4 h for example 3 h, which will reflect in reduction of production costs as well as productivity.

Conclusions

The average apparent density for forest species Pinus taeda was 553.29 kg/m3 and higher than that found in the literature.

The pressing time of 1 to 2 h under the conditions of this study is insufficient to promote a quality connection, according to EN 13353.

The pressings conditions for 4, 8 and 24 h, meets the standard EN 13353 and in most cases are statistically equal.

It is recommended the 4 h pressing time for Pinus taeda EGP production using polyurethane adhesive base of castor oil.

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Authors’ contributions

REM, CRP and RT participated in performing the experiments and writing of the manuscript, SI performed the statistical analysis and contributed to the writing of the manuscript, ECA and SCN conceived the study, participating in its design and coordination, helping to drafting the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements

The authors express its gratitude to Fundação Araucária, FAPESP, CAPES and CNPq for financial support to the laboratories involved. Companies BrasPine madeiras Ltda and Cequil Ltda, by grants from wood and adhesive.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Rebouças, 80230-901, Brazil

    Richard Eduard Mölleken, Caroline Rodrigues Pereira & Elaine Cristina Azevedo

  2. Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Jardim Botânico, 80210-170, Brazil

    Rosilani Trianoski & Setsuo Iwakiri

  3. Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Centro, 13567-970, Brazil

    Salvador Claro Neto

Authors
  1. Richard Eduard Mölleken
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  2. Rosilani Trianoski
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  3. Salvador Claro Neto
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  4. Caroline Rodrigues Pereira
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  5. Setsuo Iwakiri
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  6. Elaine Cristina Azevedo
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Correspondence to Richard Eduard Mölleken.

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Mölleken, R.E., Trianoski, R., Neto, S.C. et al. Evaluation of pressing time in the production of edge glued panel with adhesive polyurethane derived from castor oil. Appl Adhes Sci 4, 9 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40563-016-0066-4

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Keywords

  • EGP
  • Bonding quality
  • Polyurethane