Modification of Urea- Formaldehyde Resin with Furfural in Particleboard for Reduction of Formaldehyde Emission

Partial replacement of formaldehyde with furfural in the urea-formaldehyde resin on the formaldehyde emission, physical and mechanical properties of particleboard was investigated. The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond (IB), water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) and formaldehyde emission (FE) of Poplar particleboards made with the modified resins were measured and were compared with the conventional UF resin. Also, chemical structures of the synthesized Resins were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and formaldehyde emission (FE) from boards was decreased by partial replacement of formaldehyde. Boards prepared with modified resin with 50% furfural showed the highest internal bond (IB). Two and 2 hours water uptake test of the boards prepared with modified resin unlike thickness swelling was decreased compared to the conventional resin. Boards prepared with industrial urea-formaldehyde resin presented the least thickness swelling. Best treatment and condition of preparing boards in terms of MOR, MOE and stableness of dimensions, it can be introduced using urea-formaldehyde resin (except formaldehyde emission), also in terms of IB and water absorption, using resin modified with 50% furfural. Boards cured with conventional UF resin presented the least formaldehyde emission.