Research on flame retardant formaldehyde-free plywood glued by aqueous polymer isocyanate adhesive¹

Due to pronounced mechanical performance and being environmental friendly, aqueous polymer isocyanate adhesive (API) has been widely applied in the production of formaldehyde-free wood products. In this study, flame retardant formaldehyde-free plywood was prepared by incorporation of flame retardants into the API adhesive. Partially phosphorylated poly (vinyl alcohol) (PPVA) which was prepared by reacting poly (vinyl alcohol) with phosphoric acid was used to replace PVA in API formula. In addition, Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) was chosen as additive flame retardant, replacing traditional filler CaCO₃ in API adhesive formula. And then, the flame retardant API adhesive with main agent (PPVA replacing PVA70wt.%, SBR emulsion 30wt.%), curing agent 10wt.% (accounts for of the main agent), and 20wt.% LDHs (accounts of the main agent) was used to prepare flame retardant plywood. The effect of application of PPVA and Mg-Al LDH on bonding strength of plywood was investigated. The flammability characteristics of the plywood were determined by cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results revealed that compared with the plywood prepared with API adhesive, the use of PPVA and LDH enhanced the flame retardancy of plywood without negatively affecting bonding strength. The CCT tests indicated that the heat release and smoke production flame retardant API plywood were lower than those of the ordinary API glued plywood. Promising developments for flame retardant API adhesive were expected in future applications of flame retardant formaldehyde-free plywood.