Advanced Structures & Composites Center

Published: 2019

Publication Name: Proceedings of the 2019 Society of Wood Science and Technology International Convention

Publication URL: https://www.swst.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-SWST-Final-Proceedings.pdf

Abstract:

Epoxy resins are vastly used in construction, automotive and aerospace industries due to their
excellent dry strength and thermal resistance. However, epoxies are minor wood adhesives, brittle,
expensive and the linkage between epoxy and wood can become considerably weakened after
exposure to moisture. Production of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) utilizing epoxy resin blended with
fast pyrolysis bio-oil was studied. The aim of the study was to improve the hydrophobicity of the
wood-epoxy matrix without compromising the mechanical properties. The effect of bio-oil substitution
and resin content on the physical and mechanical properties of OSB was examined. The properties
included internal bond (IB), modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, thickness swelling (TS), and
water absorption (WA). Hot stacking effect on the mechanical and physical properties were also
assessed. The results showed that higher bio-oil content in the epoxy resin reduced the mechanical
and physical properties of the OSB. Epoxy resin with bio-oil content of 30% showed comparable
bonding properties to that of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI). Bio-oil substitution of
20% improved the hydrophobicity of the OSB. Hot stacking also improved the dimensional stability
and mechanical properties of the boards. It was concluded that epoxy resin could be used in the
production of OSB. Addition of boil-oil could help to reduce the cost of the epoxy resin and as well
improve the properties of the board.