CHAPTER 10. Soy Protein Based Bio-adhesives

Soy protein-based adhesives have received significant attention in order to (partially) substitute the widely used petroleum-derived adhesives, as it is renewable, environmentally friendly, widely available, easy to handle and process etc. Although some modified soy-protein-based adhesives are already commercially available, the market share is very small and the wide application of soy protein-based adhesives is hindered by some of its intrinsic properties such as low bonding strength and water resistance. In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to improving the adhesion properties and water resistance of soy protein-derived adhesives. This chapter briefly reviews recent developments and trends in the field of chemical modification of soy protein-based bio-adhesives for bonding of wood materials.