Soy-BaSed Wood adheSiveS - Soy New Uses

TECHNICAL DATA REVIEWSoy-Based Wood AdhesivesThe most current technology involves the use of soy meal/soy flour in formaldehyde-free adhesives developed tominimize the amount of formaldehyde emitted from theresin in wood composite boards. Recently, the InternationalAgency for Cancer Research classified formaldehyde as aknown carcinogen, causing many composite wood panelmanufactures to look for alternatives to the urea-basedformulations with which formaldehyde is released into theenvironment, particularly in hot and humid conditions.ADHESIVE PRODUCTSIn 2005, Columbia Forest Products announced the first useof formaldehyde-free glue systems when it converted fromurea-formaldehyde adhesives to a patented soy systemcooperatively developed by Columbia, the College of Forestryat Oregon State University and Hercules International.Hercules was granted a worldwide license to use thistechnology in the wood composite panel market. Columbiawas awarded a lifetime license to utilize this patentedadhesive system for all of its North American panel business,which included interior hardwood plywood. PureBond ® is thetrademark Columbia uses for formaldehyde-free plywoodpanels utilizing this soy adhesive technology. Hercules,purchased by Ashland in 2008, continued in conjunction withHeartland Resource Technologies to develop a completelyformulated soy adhesive, SOYAD ® , for use in wood composites,including particleboard and medium-density fiberboard. Thesesoy adhesives systems are easy to prepare in the panel millsand do not require harsh reaction conditions.ABOUT USBThe 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investmentsof the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for allU.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leveragecheckoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal andoil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customershave the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and tomeet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated inthe federal Soybean Promotion, Research and ConsumerInformation Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Servicehas oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.For more information, visit: soynewuses.org©2012 United Soybean Board [44422-TECH-9/12]