Research of the Properties of Plywood Based on Urea-Formaldehyde Binder with the Added Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

The work proposes the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in various concentrations treated in nitric acid (f-MWCNT) as a filler for urea-formaldehyde resin to produce birch plywood with improved physical-mechanical, water-resistant and thermal properties. The MWCNTs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, and the zeta potential was determined. The thermal stability of plywood on the UFR/f-MWCNT adhesive composition was assessed and a higher thermal stability of plywood was revealed when a nanofiller was added to the resin. The modulus of rupture increased by 62.7% and the modulus of elasticity by 113% with the addition of 1.5% f-MWCNT. A decrease in water absorption was established by 43%. A steady decrease in the emission of free formaldehyde from plywood was determined. The possibility of intermolecular interaction between the functional groups of f-MWCNT and urea-formaldehyde resins has been established.

Keywords:
multi-walled carbon nanotubes; plywood; urea-formaldehyde resin; strength; heat resistance; formaldehyde emissions