Evaluation of different types of wood glue derived from waste polystyrene foam in plywood manufacturing

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran.

2 Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.393908.1346

Abstract

This study investigated the production of plywood from poplar veneers and polymer films derived from waste polystyrene foam. The adhesive was prepared in four forms: film obtained by melting the foam, film obtained by dissolving the foam in the natural solvent d-limonene without compatibilizer, film obtained by dissolving the foam in d-limonene with compatibilizer (styrene maleic anhydride at 5%), and the original foam used directly as adhesive. The properties of the polymer films and polystyrene foam (as reference) were evaluated by measuring melt index, molecular weight, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the melt index of the polymer films increased significantly with the addition of compatibilizer, as well as through dissolution and melting, while the average molecular weight decreased. FTIR analysis revealed structural changes and the appearance or intensification of several peaks due to dissolution, melting, and compatibilizer addition. Plywood bonded with polymer films, with or without compatibilizer, exhibited better physical and mechanical properties than panels bonded with unprocessed foam. Overall, plywood made with polymer film obtained by dissolving foam in limonene was suitable for indoor use according to EN 314-2. Panels bonded with polymer film containing 5% compatibilizer also achieved shear strength exceeding the standard requirement (1 MPa), indicating potential suitability for outdoor applications.

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References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 78, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 177-190

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