Hyperbranched Polyamide Glue for Formaldehyde-Free Wood Boards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glues for cellulose-containing boards, such as those based on fossil raw materials, face challenges including formaldehyde emission, low reactivity, and difficulty in achieving high stiffness, transverse tensile strength, and water resistance.

Innovation Solution

The use of a glue based on hyperbranched polyamides, which are derived from polycondensed amino acids produced through bacterial fermentation, offering improved reactivity, glue power, and sustainability without formaldehyde release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If formaldehyde-free glues are used to eliminate harmful emissions, then health and environmental safety is improved, but glue power and reactivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformaldehyde emissionVSAvoidglue power
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the glue by using hyperbranched polyamides with specific molecular weight ranges (500-100,000 g/mol, preferably 5,000-50,000 g/mol) and controlling the polycondensation degree of amino acids. This allows achieving both formaldehyde-free composition and sufficient glue power through precise parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material strategy by combining hyperbranched polyamides with specific cellulose-containing materials (wood fibres, chips, shavings). The hyperbranched structure provides multiple binding sites and enhances adhesion to cellulose surfaces, compensating for the absence of formaldehyde while maintaining strong bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bio-based glues are used to improve sustainability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but reactivity and wetting properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefossil raw material contentVSAvoidreactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters of the bio-based hyperbranched polyamides within specific ranges (500-100,000 g/mol) to balance reactivity and sustainability. The controlled polycondensation degree ensures sufficient reactive groups while maintaining bio-based origin from amino acids produced through bacterial fermentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of traditional formaldehyde-based crosslinking with a physical-chemical mechanism based on hydroxyl groups forming hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds with cellulose surfaces. This substitution maintains reactivity while using sustainable bio-based materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If hyperbranched polyamides with lower molecular weight are used to improve reactivity and wetting, then glue penetration and adhesion are improved, but viscosity and application difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewetting speedVSAvoidglue application
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the molecular weight parameter within the range of 500-100,000 g/mol (preferably 5,000-50,000 g/mol) to optimize the balance between wetting speed and application ease. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient flow and penetration while maintaining manageable viscosity for industrial application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Boards made with this glue exhibit enhanced technical characteristics, including higher stiffness, transverse tensile strength, and water resistance, while maintaining a sustainable and formaldehyde-free production process.

Implementation Method 1

hyperbranched polyamides, in particular obtained by polycondensation of amino acids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolycondensation:

Implementation Method 2

these amino acids being produced through bacterial fermentation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 3

a glue which connects these cellulose-containing materials to each other, wherein the glue is a glue based on hyperbranched polyamides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20250170745A1Glue for boards
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 UNILIN BVBA

AI summary

A board includes cellulose-containing materials, such as plant fibres and/or wood chips and/or wood parts, and a glue which connects these cellulose-containing materials to each other. The glue is a glue based on hyperbranched polyamides. A method is provided for making such boards and a glue for such boards