The enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass has captured a tremendous attention as a conversion route for producing alternative energy products. This hydrolysis process leaves behind in the waste stream solid residues that are rich in lignin. Lignin is a natural phenolic polymer in all vascular plants which include woody plants. Lignin serves as the binder for plant fibers; thus, it is not surprising that utilization of lignin as adhesives has long been investigated. Complexity of lignin structure however renders it challenging to utilize in a cost effective manner. Adhesive applications of this renewable material are limited by its low reactivity compared to phenols.<br/>The main goal of this study was to examine the technical feasibility of directly utilizing saccharification residues of woody biomass for adhesive applications without pre-purifying for lignin. Aspen wood flour were pre-treated with NaOH and then enzymatically hydrolyzed to 80% glucose removal. The saccharified samples were ground to nano size using a disk mill before treated with a natural crosslinker to prepare adhesive. The strength of adhesive bond on wood substrates was evaluated through lap shear testing. Cure kinetics and other bond performance of the adhesive were also studied. Results showed that the bond strength attained 92% of that of commercial phenol-formaldehyde resin, which is a common wood adhesive. Findings from this study show that a fully bio-based adhesive could be prepared from saccharification residues, providing a potential alternative to synthetic adhesives.

Curing behavior and bond performance of wood adhesive from enzymatic hydrolysis residues of lignocellulosic biomass

249th National Meeting (2015)

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