Fortification of sulfited tannin from the bark of Acacia mangium with phenol–formaldehyde for use as plywood adhesive

The Acacia mangium tree contains 10% bark (v/v), of which about 20% are extractives. Extraction of this bark using a combination of water and sulfite medium can produce between 15% and 25% tannin materials (dry weight). In this work, several extraction conditions such as bark size, plantation site, extraction time and extraction medium were studied. The results showed that by using either hot water or a sulfite medium, a reasonable amount of tannin yield can be obtained. Bark size of less than 1-mm mesh size gave relatively high tannin yield irrespectively of the extraction medium used. Using a 600:100:2:0.5 (w/w) ratio of water:bark:sodium sulfite:sodium carbonate, and reacted at 75 °C for 3 h improved the tannin yield by at least 30%. The extracts were reasonably reactive towards formaldehyde as shown by their high Stiasny number; water extract, 60–70% and aqueous sulfite–carbonate extracts, 85–90%. The gluing results showed that the shear strength of the plywood can meet the requirements of the European Standards EN 314-1 and EN 314-2:1993. Incorporation of low molecular weight PF resin (10 parts) and PF (10 parts) improved the shear strength from 0.96 MPa to 1.43 MPa after a 72 h boiling test. This study showed that A. mangium tannin blended with commercial plywood phenol–formaldehyde resin, low molecular weight PF and paraformaldehyde as a cross-linker can be used to bond Kedondong (Canarium spp.) wood veneers suitable for both interior and exterior grade plywood.     

Extraction of condensed tannins from grape pomace for use as wood adhesives

The extraction of condensed tannins from grape pomace was examined using a mixture water-sodium hydroxide at 120 °C. The extracts were characterized by solution ¹³C NMR and have showed characteristic consistent with that of condensed tannins with dominant procyanidin units. The tannin fractions reactivity toward formaldehyde was studied by gel time analysis and thermomechanical analysis in bending. It has been demonstrated that the extracts obtained by using 10% of NaOH (w/w) displayed promising properties for adhesive applications.     

Condensed tannins extraction from grape pomace: Characterization and utilization as wood adhesives for wood particleboard

The extraction of condensed tannins from grape pomace was examined using water medium in the presence of NaOH, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃ eventually in the presence of Na₂SO₃. The tannin fractions reactivity towards formaldehyde was studied by gel time analysis and thermomechanical analysis in bending and it was demonstrated that despite of their lower phenolic contents, some of these extracts displayed promising properties for adhesive applications. A resin formulation in which the total content of tannin is 75% of the total resin solids content gave good results and was employed for the elaboration of the first grape pomace based-wood particleboard which passed relevant international standard specifications for interior-grade panels.     

High resin content natural matrix–natural fibre biocomposites

Composites of good performance formed from non-woven mats of flax and hemp fibres and natural resin matrices have been prepared. Both higher density thin composites as well as lower density thicker composites have been prepared. Two natural matrices types were used: (i) commercial mimosa flavonoid tannin extract with 5% hexamine added as hardener and (ii) a mix of mimosa tannin + hexamine with glyoxalated organosolv lignin of low molecular weight, these two resins mixed 50/50 by solids content weight. The composites prepared were tested for MOE in bending and in tension and for maximum breaking strength in tension. Some of the mats were corona treated and the optimum length of corona treatment determined to improve the composites MOEs and breaking strength. These were related to the morphology of the treated fibre. Thermomechanical analysis (TMA), Brinell surface hardness and contact angle tests were also carried out with good results. The composites made with the mix of tannin and lignin resins as a matrix remained thermoplastic after a first pressing. The flat sheets prepared after the first pressing were then thermoformed into the shape wanted.     

Impregnation modification of sugar palm fibres with phenol formaldehyde and unsaturated polyester

This study investigated the effects of impregnation modification via vacuum resin impregnation on physical and mechanical properties of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) fibres. The fibre was evacuated at a constant impregnation pressure of 1000 mmHg impregnation times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min) with two different impregnation agents: phenol formaldehyde (PF) and unsaturated polyester (UP). A notable improvement in the physical properties of sugar palm fibres was observed after they were impregnated with PF and UP for 5 min, shown by the reduction of their moisture content (91 % and 89 %, respectively) and water absorption (43 % and 41 %, respectively) compared to the control sample. However, no significant improvement (p≤0.05) in the physical properties of fibre was observed when the impregnation time was extended (from 10 to 25 min) using both impregnation agents. As for the mechanical properties of the fibre, significant improvement was observed after they were impregnated for 5 min. The fibres impregnated with UP resulted in better fibre toughness and improved mechanical properties as shown in their higher tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the fibres impregnated with PF. Both the physical and mechanical properties showed no significant improvement (p≤0.05) after time for impregnation was extended (from 10 to 25 min) using both impregnation agents. Therefore, it can be concluded that the physical and mechanical properties of sugar palm fibre could be enhanced by impregnating the fibre with thermosetting polymer (PF and UP) for 5 min. It was shown that impregnation with unsaturated polyester (UP) showed better improvement than phenol formaldehyde (PF). In addition, this study also concluded that the unsatisfactory enhancement of the properties of sugar palm fibre even after the impregnation time was extended from 10 to 25 min was due to the use of low impregnation pressure of 1000 mmHg.     

Hybrid chipboard panels based on sugarcane bagasse, urea formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde resin

The expansion of Brazilian agricultural production was very important in the last decade. A number of waste residues were produced showing an enormous potential for industrial crops and products. Sugarcane bagasse is the most important one and it has been investigated for chipboard panel's preparation. In this sense, this work aims to develop, characterize and compare chipboard panels made with sugarcane bagasse with urea formaldehyde (UF) and melamine formaldehyde (MF) resins. Panels were obtained with a mixture of sugarcane bagasse and particles, like pine or eucalyptus, with and without paraffin in the formulation. Nine different types of panels have been made, all with 9% in resin mix, under a pressing cycle of 4.0 MPa cm², and temperature of 160 °C. Under physical tests, the panels complied with the American Standard CS 236-66 for trading chipboards of medium density and, in most cases the results obtained were lower than the ones raised in the literature. Under mechanical tests, that same standard was not complied with and, in most cases the results were close to or higher than those obtained in the literature.     

Developing lignin-based resin coatings and composites

Phenol in phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin has been partly substituted with lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse. In order to optimize the lignin-based resin for applications in coating and composite materials, thermal and rheological tests were performed with different wt% of lignin substitution into PF resins. Differential scanning calorimetry scans showed a small exothermic peak and a large endothermic peak, typical of resins. The T_g of the resins was seen between 125 and 150 °C and this transition was clearly evident when the lignin content was increased from 10 to 40 wt%. Increasing the lignin content in the PF resin increases the rate of cure and the heat of reaction. Water absorption tests show that the lignin-PF resin films are effective water-barrier coatings for cardboard substrates. It is speculated that the interaction between the substrate and the lignin-PF resin has resulted in a negative surface charge which would have contributed to the reduction in the contact angle.     

Wettability and surface roughness of thermally modified plywood panels

The objective of this research was to investigate the wettability and surface roughness properties of the plywood panels under thermal modification. The plywood panel specimens were subjected to thermal modification under atmospheric pressure and presence of air at a temperature of 150, 170 or 190 °C for 60 min. The contact angle measurements were obtained by using a KSV Cam-101 Scientific Instrument connected with a digital camera and computer system. The roughness measurements, average roughness (R_a) and maximum roughness (R_max), were performed based on both parallel and perpendicular to the grain using a fine stylus tracing technique. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in the surface roughness and contact angle values of the plywood panels following thermal modification.     

Tannin-based rigid foams: Characterization and modification

Tannin-based rigid foams are networked structures obtained by polycondensations of polyflavonoid tannins and furfuryl alcohol. They present a wide range of characteristics. Thus, there is the need to characterise the different kinds of tannin foams to better understand their physical behaviour and their chemical composition. Mimosa tannin, pine tannin and quebracho tannin bark extracts were used as building blocks. Foams modified by the addition of hydroxymethylated lignin, polyurethane and an industrial surfactant were also characterised. Water absorption, compression resistance, direct flame behaviour and foam cells dimensions were measured for each foam sample. The foams were characterised also by ¹³C NMR analysis. Tannin-based rigid foams appear suitable for a wide range of applications.     

Evaluation of sorghum flour as extender in plywood adhesives for sprayline coaters or foam extrusion

This study was conducted to evaluate sorghum flour as protein extender in phenol-formaldehyde-based plywood adhesive for sprayline coaters or foam extrusion. Defatted sorghum flour, containing 0.2% (db) residual oil and 12.0% (db) crude protein, was analyzed for solubility and foaming properties. Sorghum flour proteins were least soluble (≤12%) under acidic pH, most soluble (72%) at pH 10, and produced substantial and highly stable foam at pH 10. Sorghum flour was substituted (on protein content basis) for wheat flour in the standard glue mix. Mixing properties and bond strength of the sorghum-based glue were compared with those of the industry standard glue. The sorghum flour-based adhesive had mixing properties and appearance that were superior to those of the standard wheat flour-based plywood glue, but its viscosity and bond strength were markedly less. Doubling the amount of protein contributed by sorghum flour in the glue mix markedly improved both viscosity (1104 cP) and adhesion strength (1.37 MPa) of the sorghum-based plywood glue to acceptable levels. The modified sorghum flour-based plywood glue also produced foam that remained stable up to 3 h. These results demonstrated that sorghum flour is a viable extender in plywood glues for sprayline coater or foam extrusion.     

Effect of outdoor exposure on some properties of resin-treated plybamboo

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate some of the physical and mechanical properties of resin-treated plywood type panels manufactured from bamboo strips (Gigantochloa scortechinii). Experimental plybamboo samples were made from low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LMwPF) treated bamboo strips. They were exposed to outdoor condition ranging from 1 to 12 months. Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), compression strength, and surface roughness of treated and untreated samples were evaluated. Resin impregnated samples had the highest bending and compression strength properties. While the untreated samples failed after 3-month of outdoor exposure. Treated specimens exposed for 12-month had the MOE, MOR, and compression strength values of 14,253 N/mm², 101.3 N/mm², and 34.63 N/mm², respectively. Surface quality of both treated and untreated samples was adversely influenced as the function of outdoor exposure time, based on numerical values obtained from a stylus type equipment. Overall properties of treated samples tested in work resulted in higher values than those of untreated samples. It appears that resin impregnation could be considered as an alternative method to enhance the characteristics of plybamboo exposed to environmental conditions as can be concluded from the results of this study.     

Novel, binder-free fiber reinforced composites based on a renewable resource from the reed-like plant Typha sp.

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate for the first time the technological potential of novel, totally bio-based, binder-free vegetable fiber-composites based on the reed-like plant Typha sp. Binder-free vegetable fiberboards based on Cattails were prepared and their mechanical (flexural modulus of elasticity, flexural strength and water absorption) and surface textural properties were determined. The influence of press time and panel density on the properties was investigated. In contrast to currently known natural fiber composites based on hemp, flax, kenaf or the like annual plants which all require up to 30 wt% of suitable bonding resins, the typha based composites were prepared completely without the addition of any extraneous glue and showed good mechanical performance that clearly exceeded the performance of other natural fiber composites containing low percentages of phenolic binder (15%). Of special interest were the superior surface properties of the typha based panels. Despite the coarse nature of the raw fiber material and the rough texture of the typha based fiber mats, binder-free typha panels showed excellent surface smoothness which makes this novel composite material highly interesting for light-weight applications with high surface quality standards, for example, as powder-coated elements for the automotive and furniture industries.     

Effect of domestic processing,cooking and germination on the trypsin inhibitor activity and tannin content of faba bean (Vicia faba)

The effects of domestic processing methods like soaking for 12 h dehulling, ordinary cooking of whole as well as dehulled seeds at 151bs/inch² pressure for 15 and 25 min, and germination for 24, 36 and 48 h were observed on trypsin inhibitor (TIA) and tannin content of two varieties of faba bean viz. VH-131 and WF. A non-significant reduction in TIA was observed on soaking and dehulling, while tannins showed a reduction of 42 and 51% on soaking in VH 131 and WF, respectively. Dehulled seeds showed a decline in tannin content by 70 to 73% in two varieties. There was a significant reduction in TIA (75–76 per cent) and tannin (76–81%) on cooking, while autoclaving for 25 min almost completely eliminated both of these stress factors. Germination of seeds for 48 h led to a reduction of 64–65% in TIA and 90–91% in tannins, which was more than germination for 24 and 36 h. Soaked seeds gave positive results of both these antinutrients.     

Preparation and antinutritional characteristics of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein concentrates

Protein concentrates and starches were prepared by a wet extraction process from five dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars. The protein contents ranged from 69.7–76.4%. Concentrates prepared from dehulled beans under similar conditions had higher protein contents (80.6–87.9%). Each additional washing of the concentrates with distilled water increased their protein content. However, the protein recovery progressively decreased. The yield of starch ranged from 48.0–51.1% of the starting material. The solubility of bean proteins was minimal at pH 4.0, and under alkaline conditions, it was influenced by the tannin contents of the concentrates. Protein concentrates had lower trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase inhibitory activities as well as lower phytic acid and tannin contents compared to whole bean flours.     

Content of antinutrients and in vitro protein digestibility of the African yambean,pigeon and cowpea

The protein, trypsin inhibitor (TI), tannin, phytate, phytic acid phosphorus and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of cultivars of the African yambean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) — AYB, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) — PP and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) — CP were determined. The protein content of CP (24–28.0%) was higher than those of PP (21–22.5%) and AYB (21–22.5%). The cream and speckled AYB contained more TI (30.9 and 25.3 mg/g) than PP (7.5–14.1 mg/g) and CP (9.8–20.5 mg/g). Apart from the white CP cultivar, they contained more tannin (1.24–1.42 mg/g) than PP (0.14–0.97 mg/g) and AYB (0.71–1.17 mg/g). Phytate was lowest in the AYB (6.30–7.49 mg/g) than PP (8.31–11.31 mg/g) and CP (8.40–9.92 mg/g). Phytic acid contributed 67–74% of the phosphorous in the AYB, 66–75% in PP and 54–59% in CP. The IVPD of the AYB (73.3±0.7%) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of PP (76.34±0.2%) and CP (77.8±0.4%). There was a significant negative correlation between TI and IVPD (r=–0.63,p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between IVPD and phytate and tannin contents. There was a positive correlation between protein content and IVPD (r=0.69**) for the legumes under study. These legumes may pose no serious problems to populations consuming them especially when heat treatment is applied before consumption.     

Effect of tannin extracts on protein degradation during ensiling of ryegrass or lucerne

Eleven laboratory‐scale trials were undertaken in different years where ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) were ensiled with different concentrations of tannin extracts (quebracho, Schinopsis balansae Engl., mimosa, Acacia mearnsii DE WILD.), and the effects on protein degradation were assessed. The dry‐matter (DM) content in grass silages ranged between 186 and 469 g/kg and in lucerne silages between 187 and 503 g/kg. Tannin extract, either quebracho or mimosa, was applied at 0–30 g/kg forage DM. Commercial additives such as Lactobacillus plantarum, formic acid or hexamine + NaNO₂ were applied in two of the grass trials and in six of the lucerne trials. Eight of the trials incorporated a maximum ensiling duration of 90 or 180 days in addition to replicates which were opened and evaluated at earlier stages. All trials included silages which were assessed after at least 49 days of anaerobic storage. The crude protein (CP) fraction A (non‐protein nitrogen, NPN) as proportion of total CP, served as the main indicator for proteolysis. In ryegrass, in general, the level of proteolysis was lower than in lucerne. A correlation of DM content in silages and degree of proteolysis was only evident for ryegrass. In both forages, the degradation of true protein slowed considerably after 24 days of ensiling. True protein was conserved most with the highest level of tannin extract addition. However, in lucerne, the combination of formate with lactobacilli was equally effective up to 330 g DM/kg, and deamination was further inhibited by formic acid compared to tannin extracts.     

Cultivar and processing effects on the pasting characteristics,tannin content and protein quality and digestibility of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Four popular West African local cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), with distinctly different seed coat colors, were evaluated for their relative amylograph pasting characteristics, condensed tannin content, in vitro protein digestibility and Tetrahymena protein efficiency ratio (t-PER). The effects of roasting and dehulling on these properties were also determined. There were wide variations in the hot paste viscosity characteristics of the different cultivars studied. The raw cowpea flour samples exhibited maximum paste viscosities ranging between 260 Brabender Units (BU) for the Mottled cultivar and 460 BU for the cream-colored Blackeye cultivar. Cowpea cultivars with the greatest peak viscosities showed low stabilities to extended cooking. Roasting depressed paste viscosity properties of all the cowpea cultivars studied. Tannin concentrations were 0.3–6.9 and 7.2–116 mg CE/g flour from whole cowpea seeds and seed coats respectively, increasing with intensity of seed color. Although dehulling removed 98% of the tannin content of raw cowpeas, improvement in protein quality as a result of dehulling was observed for only the highly-pigmented Maroon-red variety. Roasting significantly improved digestibility and more than doubled the t-PER of all cowpea cultivars studied. Roasted cowpeas possess adequate nutritional and functional qualities as protein supplements in cereal-based weaning foods. However, it appears that dehulling is necessary to enhance the nutritional quality of the highly pigmented cultivars of cowpea.     

The correlation analysis between the appearance-related performances and the mechanical properties on lyocell-interlining bonded fabric

Lyocell is drawing attention as a new material, environmentally friendly fiber. Precedent researches on lyocell are mostly on structure, characteristics, physical properties, and dyeability. There are few researches on interlining for lyocell clothes production. This study analyzes the correlation between the appearance-related performances of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric and the mechanical properties of fusible interlining, lyocell face fabric, and lyocell-interlining bonded fabric. The stiffness of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric correlates with LT, WT, G, 2HG, 2HG5, B, 2HB, WC, and RC of fusible interlining; LT, EMT, G, 2HG, 2HB, RC, and T of lyocell face fabric; LT, WT, G, 2HG, 2HG5, B, 2HB, and T of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric. The drapability of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric correlates with LT, WT, G, 2HG, 2HG5, B, 2HG, WC, and RC of fusible interlining; LT, EMT, G, 2HG, 2HG5 and RC of lyocell face fabric; LT, EMT, G, 2HG, 2HG5, B, 2HB, LC, RC, and T of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric. The crease recovery of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric correlates with RT, T, W, WT, G, and 2HG of fusible interlining; LC, W, LT, EMT, G, 2HG, and 2HG5 of lyocell face fabric; WC, T, LT, G, 2HG, and 2HG5 of lyocell-interlining bonded fabric.     

Hybrid effect in the mechanical properties of jute/rockwool hybrid fibres reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites

This research work was concerned with the evaluation of the effect of fibre content on the mechanical properties of composites. Composites were fabricated using jute/phenol formaldehyde (PF), rockwool/PF, and jute/rockwool hybrid PF with varying fibre loadings. Jute and rockwool fibre reinforced PF composites were fabricated with varying fibre loadings (16, 25, 34, 42, 50, and 60 vol.%). The jute/rockwool hybrid PF composites were manufactured at various ratios of jute/rockwool fibres such as 1:0, 0.92:0.08, 0.82:0.18, 0.70:0.30, 0.54:0.46, 0.28:0.72, and 0:1. Total fibre content of the hybrid composites was 42 vol.%. The results showed that tensile strength of the composite increased with increasing fibre content up to 42 vol.% over which it decreased for jute and rockwool fibre reinforced PF composites. Flexural strength of the composite was noted to peak at a fibre loading of 42 vol.% for jute/PF composites, and 34 vol.% for rockwool/PF composites. Impact strength of jute/PF composites increased with increasing fibre loading but that of rockwool/PF composites decreased at higher (>34 vol.%) fibre loadings. Tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of jute/PF composites were found to be higher than those of rockwool/PF composites. The maximum hardness values were obtained 42 vol.% for jute/PF composite, and 34 vol.% for rockwool/PF composite. Further increase in fibre loading adversely affected the hardness of both composites. For jute/rockwool hybrid PF composites, tensile and impact strengths decreased with increasing rockwool fibre loading. The maximum flexural strength of jute/rockwool hybrid PF composites was obtained at a 0.82:0.18 jute/rockwool fibre ratio while maximum hardness was observed at a 0.28:0.72 jute/rockwool fibre ratio. The fractured surfaces of the composites were analysed using scanning electron microscope in order to have an insight into the failure mechanism and fibre/matrix interface adhesion.     

Effect of monophenyl borate on properties of high-ortho phenolic fibers

A series of monophenyl borate (MPB) modified high-ortho phenolic copolymer fibers (BOPFs) were prepared by melt-spinning of the high-ortho phenol-formaldehyde resins with different content of MPB, and cured in a formaldehyde solution. The solution curing fibers were heated up to 240 °C at elevated temperatures in N₂. The effect of MPB on the structure and properties of the BOPFs was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that a B-O linkage inserts into the high-ortho phenolic copolymer molecular chain with the addition of MPB, and increases the crosslinkage and thermal stability. The peak of O/P (ortho/para) value of fiber (1.94) and elongation (5.6 %) were obtained when BOPFs-4 was heat-cured at 240 °C for 2 h.