Electronic Journal of Biology

Keywords

Corn starch; Esterification; Aqueous vinyl polymer; solution isocyanate; Cross linking agent.

1. Introduction

Urea formaldehyde resin adhesive has many advantages such as low price, raw material easy gain, convenient use, no color pollution and high bond strength. So it is used in interior bond product extensively. However, there is formaldehyde release problem in formaldehyde adhesives that pollute environment, harm the health of people [1]. At present, China and many other countries in the world limited strictly formaldehyde release in wooden bond products and formulated relevant standards. Decreasing formaldehyde release is the severe problem to many Chinese enterprises. As we know, the most effective method of decreasing formaldehyde release in bond products is to decrease molar ratio of formaldehyde and urea. But formaldehyde is cross linking agent in formaldehyde adhesives. Decreasing formaldehyde content too more must lead to decrease bonding strength, especially wet strength [2]. Furthermore, with bond product’s use time extending, formaldehyde is going to release slowly, then contaminates environment. In other words, we must exploit a new adhesive that is of no poison, no environmental pollution and no formaldehyde if we want to resolve the formaldehyde release problem thoroughly.

API adhesive belongs to non-formaldehyde adhesives and solves formaldehyde release completely. However, API adhesive has its disadvantage, for instance, high viscosity, short working life, high cost and so on. All of these limited application of API adhesive. Here, we researched utilization of corn starch’s esterification and then manufactured an API adhesive. This API adhesive is of no poison, no environmental pollution, low cost, long working life, low apparent viscosity, good prepressing performance. In addition, it has excellent weather resistance, water resistant and resistance to high temperature. All of above performance is because of esterified corn starch emulsion itself. The API adhesive is used in production of plywood, blockboard and three layers composite flooring board and all of these experiment results were excellent.

2. Preparation method of esterified corn starch emulsion

2.1 Esterification principle

Corn starch suspension emulsion are stirred, then laid aside for several minutes, some corn starch was going to be sediment. To solve corn starch emulsion stability and improve cohesiveness, we have to modify corn starch. Corn starch react with the crosslinking agent of two or more functional groups, and combine the hydroxy of corn starch molecular, then big molecular was formulated. Because crosslinking corn starch strengthen hydrogen bond of molecular and molecular, this make corn starch molecular combined closely and improve the stability of corn starch emulsion.

Corn starch and biatomic acid reacted and formed esterified corn starch emulsion [3]. Corn starch grains were controlled to expend because of different position hydroxy crosslinking of corn starch molecular. At the same time, esterifiable reaction restrained hydroxy association reaction among corn starch molecular which ease corn starch to scatter but not sediment. Besides, emulsifying agent and stabilizer (water soluble polymer) were added to corn starch polymer to protect the colloid and adsorb water-colloid complex substance out of corn grains to form shell which shielded these small corn grains and stabilized the scatteration system. Corn starch molecular occur graft copolymerization with stabilizer’s molecular chain. It make the polymer scatter and dissolve in the water easier and enhance cohesive force and dissolution [4,5].

2.2 Main materials

Corn starch, dispersion medium: ordinary water, biatomic acid, emulsifying agent, stabilizer: polyvinyl alcohol, pH conditioning agent.

2.3 Esterified corn starch reaction technology

Water soluble polymer solution was dumped to the four-hole round bottom flask which was equipped with stirrer, reflux condenser, dropping funnel and thermometer. The solution was adjusted by compound basicity catalyst and its pH value range from 7 to 11. After starting stirrer, the corn emulsion that consistency controlled between 35 percent and 40 percent was added to flask slowly, then emulsifying agent which was two-thirds amount of the total. Through putting in compound basicity solution and biatomic aid alternately with dropping funnel, the solution’s basicity ascend to 11, then drop to 7 because of biatomic acid. The procedure above was repeated till all of biatomic acid was finished. Then the emulsion pH value was adjusted to between 7 and 9 with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The best reaction temperature was from 25 to 30 because of secondary reaction increase in high temperature. Duration of the reaction ranges from 1 hour to 6 hours. When the reaction trend to finish, pH value changed slowly. At last, adding one-third emulsifying agent remaining stirred 30 minutes, then laid aside.

2.4 Experiment arrangement

The best technology of corn starch esterification was determined by orthogonal experiment. Following experiment refer to esterifying reaction technology and interrelated foreign research to decide factor and level variable. The factors and level variables are listed in Table 1. Fixed factors and levels are listed in Table 2. Orthogonal table was L9(34).

2.5 Mechanical testing

We added proper amount of wheat flour to esterified corn starch emulsion, its solid content increase to 45 percent and stirred at the same time. Then we pressed three-layer plywood and saw test pieces on the basis of GB/t9846-1988. Dry strength and wet strength were determined.

We do variance analysis to the test result. That showed: A2B2C1 was the best combination to dry strength, but any of combination can’t meet the need of national standard in wet strength.

As to plywood, wet strength was the main aspect, but wet strength of the esterified corn starch emulsion did not pass the national standard. We had to modify the esterified corn starch emulsion.

3. Modify esterified corn starch emulsion (ECSE represented hereafter)

On the basis of experiment and analysis above, ECSE was not water resistant which limited its application extremely. According to use purpose and structure trait of ECSE itself as well as experiment grope, foreign research experience, we decide to use rubber emulsion to polycondense with ECSE to modify. This method drew into polar group which can react with hydroxy in the wood. The modified emulsion was the main agent of API adhesive.

3.1 Modifing mechanism of ECSE

In the API adhesive system of ECSE as main agent, isocyanate group crossed bonding with active compound. In order to increase water resistance, we had to decrease amount of hydrophilic group of ECSE or increase average molecular weight of emulsion polymer, meanwhile we should drew reactivity group into rubber emulsion which copolymerize ECSE in the proper condition and formed copolymerization emulsion.

Because molecular structure of low esterified corn starch contained lots of hydroxy, in order to balance the amount of rubber molecular and esterified corn starch molecular, we should drew into rubber emulsion which contained carboxy group. In this research, we used two species carboxy group rubber emulsion that copolymerize ECSE respectively. We optimized the ratio of rubber emulsion and ECSE through the method of orthogonal experiment. Orthogonal layout was L9(34).

3.2 Copolymerizing modification of carboxy group-nitrile rubber emulsion and ECSE

3.2.1 Compatibility of carboxy group-nitrile rubber emulsion and ECSE

Mixture ratio of carboxy group-nitrile rubber emulsion (CNRE represented hereafter) and ECSE was different along with bonding technology of API adhesive. For example, the use amount of CNRE decreased properly when hot pressing while increased when cold pressing. Experiment testified that the ratio of amount of CNRE and ESCE range from 10 percent to 30 percent. Before ECSE was modified, we had considered the compatibility of the two kinds of emulsion. We had considered the following aspects as main factors: solid content, pH value, viscosity of the emulsion before mixture and after mixture.

The ratio of CNRE and ESCE (emulsion weight ratio) was 10:9; 20:8; 30:7 respectively. The main performance changes of the emulsion before mixture and after mixture are listed in Table 3.

Table 3 shows that in the beginning of mixture, mixed emulsion viscosity decreased obviously along with amount of CNRE increasing. 30 days later, mixed emulsion viscosity increased obviously. PH value change didn’t relate with amount of CNRE and total solid content increased along with amount of CNRE increasing.

3.2.2 Blending and copolymerizing modification experiment of CNRE and ECSE

3.2.2.1 Determination of factor and level

In order to decrease interfacial tension between dispersed phase (ECSE, CNRE) and continuous phase as well as emulsify the polymer further, compound anionic surfactant and non-ionic surfactant were used largely. Meanwhile, continuous phase (PVA) as stabilizer of mixed emulsion should be added. According to mixed reaction system’s characteristic, we determined the following changed factors and their levels which are listed in Table 4, fixed factor and corresponding level which are listed in Table 5. We used orthogonal layout of L9(34).

4. Selection of isocyanate group sealant

Because isocyanate group reacted with water, we had to try every means to stabilize isocyanate group in order to make it compound with water. The method must protect isocyanate group to react with base material not water. To preventing isocyanate group function to water and other active matter, lengthen working life of adhesive, we adopted a compound that can react with -NCO group and in certain temperature it can release -NCO group. The following was this balanced reaction: O=C=N--R-- N=C=O +2Ar--OH===Ar-OOCNH--R--HNCOO--Ar. Regenerated temperature of the sealant depended on its property. Regenerated temperature of hydrosulfite was 50 centigrade degree that can meet the need of plywood, composite flooring board and blockboard. The reaction was as follows: OCN～R～ NCO+2NaHSO₃—NaO₃SOCNH～R～NHCOSO₃Na +API—ternary space-network structure.

Because of the reason above, we choose sodium hydrogen sulfite as the sealant of isocyanate group during API adhesive used in hot pressing. In this experiment, the most important thing was to scatter sodium hydrogen sulfite to PAPI in the size of molecular level.

5. Use of extender in main agent

5.1 function of extender

The purpose of using extender in adhesive system was to improve some properties of adhesive, decreased the cost and endowed its some new functions. In the course of bonding, extender can fill up small opening of glued materials, meanwhile, it also can prevent outer layer starved gluelines because of adhesive permeating excessively. Besides, adhesive would contract during curing. Adding extender not only adjusted contraction percentage but also decreased internal stress of glued joint to acquire good bonding effect.

5.2 Arrangement of experiment

In this research, we chose several kinds of extender in common use. First of all, we tested compatibility between the extender and parent emulsion, then culled better of them to do next experiment. The extenders we chose were: flour, light calcium carbonate, activated calcium carbonate, talcum power, refined barium sulfate and alta-mud. In room temperature and in high temperature extender was added to mix directly. In order to solids content of parent emulsion more than 45 percent, adding quantity was not low 10 percent of weight of parent emulsion. Then strength of rupture test and immersion test were checked.

5.3 Result of experiment

The data of experiment showed: refined barium sulfate as extender, its value of strength of rupture and ratio of immersion met the need of national standard. So we determined refined barium sulfate was this experiment extender. Addition amount was different according to different using target of API adhesive and produce condition in the factory to adapt the demand of pressing board technology.

6. Use level of crosslinking agent and its effect to adhesive

Poly-isocyanate possessed the trait of high polarity and high activity. It can react with any component of the main agent. So bonding property of adhesive changed with use level of crosslinking agent. Its change degrees are listed in the Table 6.

Table 6 shows that Bonding strength increased remarkably and working life shortened along with use level of crosslinking increasing. But use level of crosslinking agent too much would lead to decrease of bonding strength. This was determined by molecular structure of crosslinking agent that made linear molecule engenger chemical crosslinking and intermolecular secondary force of polymer replaced by primary force. The result was that thermoplastic linear polymer turned into firm three-dimensional structure. So the method of raiseing use level of crosslinking agent to increase cohesion force of glued layer was an effective way to increase bonding strength. If use level of crosslinking agent too much would lead to crosslinking point raised, crosslinking distance shortened, internal rotation function of crosslinking point chemical bond lost, crosslinking polymer harden and bonding strength decreased.

7. Productive experiment

API adhesive modified by corn starch was used in plywood, blockboard, three wood layers composite flooring board which were pressed in high temperature and in laminated stuff which were pressed in room temperature.

7.1 Application in plywood production

This experiment was done in Dun Hua Jin Hai Wood Company. All of equipment we used belonged to this company.

7.1.1 Materials

API adhesive modified by corn starch was manufactured in adhesive factory of Huang Ni He Forestry Company. The total amount was 3.24 ton. All of these were used to plywood production.

Tree species of veneer: face veneer and back veneer were linden.

Thickness of veneer (mm): 0.65

Core: poplar

Thickness of veneer (mm): 1.75

Area of veneer (L×B, mm): 1.22×2.44

Moisture content (%): 12

7.1.2 Technology parameters

Adhesive spread (g/m2): 300

Main agent: curing agent = 100 : 8

Assembly time (min): 20

Hot pressing temperature (℃): 110

Unit pressure (MPa): 1.0

Hot pressing time (min): 3

Veneer daylight: 3

Glue regulating condition was the same with experiment condition in lab.

7.1.3 Result of experiment

35 cubic meter plywood were manufactured. All of these were checked by National Wood-based Panels Quality Supervision Test Center (Test was according to GB/T9846-88 and JAS MAFF Notification No.920). Results are listed in Table 7. It shows that every physical mechanics properties of plywood we pressed all passed international plywood standard of Ⅱ class, formaldehyde emission content passed zero class (<0.5mg/L) of JAS MAFF, Notification No.920. So this adhesive can take the place of UF resin adhesive completely to produce environmental plywood.

7.2 Application in blockboard

This experiment was done in Jilin Fu Chun Wood Company. API adhesive modified by corn starch was manufactured in adhesive factory of Huang Ni He Forestry Company. Total was 92.84 ton. All of these were used to blockboard production. 21.65 cubic meter blockboard were manufactured. Among them, face veneer of 1040 cubic meter blockboard was linden which were exported to Japan. The rest face veneer was lauan which were sold to Beijing, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Shenyang in domestic market.

7.2.1 Materials and technology

Tree species of veneer: linden (exportation), lauan (sold in domestic market)

Thickness of veneer (mm): 1.0, 0.5

Area of veneer (L×B,mm): 1830×915, 1.22×2.44

Moisture content of veneer (%): 10, 10

Hot pressing technology was the same that of UF resin adhesive.

Main agent: curing agent = 100:8

Adhesive spread (g/m2): 320

7.2.2 Results of experiment

All of blockboard we pressed were checked by National Wood-based Panels Quality Supervision Test Centre (according to GB/T17657-1999 and JAS MAFF, Notification No.920). Test results are listed in Table 8.

Table 8 shows that every physical mechanics properties of blockboard we pressed all reached according standard. Formaldehyde emission content passed zero class (<0.5mg/L) of JAS MAFF, Notification No.920. This adhesive can replace UF resin adhesive completely to produce environmental blockboard.

7.3 Application in three-layer wood composite flooring board

This experiment was done in Jilin Xin He Wood Company. API adhesive modified by corn starch was manufactured in adhesive factory of Huang Ni He Forestry Company. Total was 2.2 ton. All of these were used to produce of three-layer wood composite flooring board which were 564 cubic meter. Pass percent of the products was 98 percent and all were exported to Europe.

7.3.1 Materials and technology

Face veneer: Oak sawing veneer

Thickness of veneer (mm): 3.4

Moisture content (%): 10

Core: poplar

Slip thickness (mm): 9.5

Moisture content(%): 12

Back veneer: poplar rotary-cut veneer

Thickness (mm): 2.1

Moisture content (%): 12

In adhesive, main agent: curing agent = 100 : 10 Adhesive spread (g/m2): 320

Hot pressing technology was the same that of UF resin adhesive.

7.3.2 Experiment results

Three-layer wood composite flooring board we manufactured (product specifications: 2200 × 202 × 14.5) were checked by National Wood-based Panels Quality Supervision Test Centre (Test was on the basis of GB/T18103-2000), test results are listed in the Table 9.

Table 9 shows that every physical mechanics properties of three-layer wood composite flooring board we pressed all reached according standard. Formaldehyde emission content passed E1 level of Europe. So this adhesive can replace UF resin adhesive completely to produce environmental three-layer wood composite flooring board.

7.4 Application of cold pressing adhesive in laminated stuff

This experiment was done in Jilin Ya Sen Company. API adhesive modified by corn starch was manufactured in adhesive factory of HuangNiHe Forestry Company. Total was 1.2 ton. All of these were used to produce Oak laminated stuff which was 345 cubic meter, then manufactured furniture to export.

7.4.1 Materials and technology

Tree species: Oak

Thickness (mm): 32

Moisture content (%): 12

Board quality: no defects in adhesive

Main agent : curing agent = 100 : 20

Adhesive spread (g/m2): 320

Assembly time (hour): 24

Unit pressure (MPa): 1.4

Pressure time (min): 50

7.4.2 Test results after 3 days

Oak laminated stuff we manufactured were checked by National Wood-based Panels Quality Supervision Test Centre (Test was on the basis of JAS No.111- 1996), test results are listed in Table 10.

Table 10 shows that every physical mechanics properties of Oak laminated stuff we manufactured all reached according standard. So this adhesive can replace UF resin adhesive completely to produce environmental Oak laminated stuff.

Bonding experiment of wood-based panels above proved that it was feasible in production practice that API adhesive modified by corn starch was used to glue no matter hot pressing or cold pressing.

8. Conclusions

The prominent trait of the paper’s research is that corn starch is esterified to form emulsion and condensed with no poison, no environment pollution emulsion of. The synthetical polymer is the main agent of API adhesive. The curing agent of API adhesive is isocyano compound which isocyanate group sealed. The main agent and curing agent make up double component API adhesive. The method is different from corn starch oxidation method which is needed to mix reinforcer to form corn starch adhesive and different from the method of taking corn starch as the filling agent of API adhesive. The optimized conditions are:

(1) the best formulation of esterified corn starch emulsion:

corn starch: 150

composite catalyst: 0.4

water: 300

water soluble polymer: 30

anionic emulsifying agent: 0.1

biatomic acid: 0.2~0.3 molar

(2) copolymerizing emulsion of CNRE and esterified corn starch emulsion:

CNRE: 20

esterified corn starch: 80

Catalyst: 0.4

stabilizer: 6

(3) formulation of API adhesive:

main agent: copolymerizing emulsion of CNRE and esterified corn starch 90

refined barium sulphate: 10

crosslinking agent: sealed PAPI

use in the condition of hot pressing - main agent : crosslinking agent = 100 : 10

use in the condition of cold pressing - main agent : crosslinking agent = 100 : 20

The formulation above was the best in this experiment which was received in certain condition, so the result had limitation. The formulation needed to adjust to use in concrete application to meet the need of production. After productivity practice, the result proved that API adhesive we researched can be used to glue three-layer wood composite flooring board, blockboard, plywood and laminated stuff which physical mechanics properties passed according national standard. Besides, their operating performance was excellent that make it ease to manufacture and apply. According to nowadays chemical material price, the cost of this water based polymer-isocyanate adhesive was only the half of same kind of import adhesives. So it would bring huge economic benefit if it was used largely. Formaldehyde emission content in bonding product passed national standard about environmental bonding product used in room that had obvious social benefit.

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