A Narrative Review: Modification of Bio-Based Wood Adhesive for Performance Improvement

Most traditional adhesives applied in the wood industry are synthetic resins obtained from petroleum. However, the production of these resins raises substantial environmental issues because of formaldehyde release, which leads to detrimental impacts on both human health and the environment. In contrast, bio-based adhesives offer an eco-friendly option that is created by renewable biomass resources. These adhesives can effectively overcome the above problems. Hence, it is crucial to pay more attention to bio-based adhesives. However, the inherent characteristics of the raw materials used in the production of bio-based adhesives result in a number of limitations, including weak bond strength, poor water resistance, and susceptibility to mildew, which restrict their further applications. Most researchers have used physical and chemical methods to modify bio-based adhesives in order to improve their overall performance. The defects of bio-based adhesives, including their limited bond strength, inadequate resistance to water, and vulnerability to mildew, are summarized in this paper, and the investigation of potential modification methods on bio-based adhesives is reviewed. Moreover, we encourage the widespread use of bio-based adhesives in various fields to promote sustainable development due to their eco-friendly characters.