Development of a LEED certified resin

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a PF resin for wood-based panels production that satisfies formaldehyde emission restrictions and LEED criteria. The effect of small changes in condensation pH was tested in order to optimize the mechanical performance and formaldehyde emissions. In this work particleboard production was also optimized, by changing blending conditions and pressing times. The results showed that a higher amount of base added in the condensation step results in better mechanical performance. On the other hand, higher amounts of catalyst will result in better performances for different pressing times. The best performing resin obtained in this study showed very good values for internal bond strength and formaldehyde content, making appropriate for use in the so-called "Green Building" construction.