Influence of epoxy functional silane on the crosslinking process of eucalyptus wood panels using formaldehyde-free acrylate adhesives

ABSTRACT The effect of different amounts of epoxy functional silane (EFS) as a crosslinking agent in the water-based acrylate adhesives was evaluated for the production of eucalyptus wood panels at different curing temperatures (120°C and 140°C). The thermal stability and dynamic analyses (loss and storage moduli) of the acrylate adhesives with EFS were evaluated. The addition of EFS in the acrylate adhesive increased the thermal degradation, storage, and loss moduli. The thermal degradation, bending test, specific mass, and morphology were evaluated in the wood panels. Significant increases in the storage modulus and bending strength of the wood panels with EFS and acrylate adhesive at 140°C were found. These results demonstrate a potential application of EFS in the production of wood panels aiming towards the manufacture of thicker composites.