The primary objective of this project was to incorporate soy flour as a commercial replacement for isocyanate resins in the production of hot and cold pressed wood composite panels. This transition has become necessary as wood composite manufacturers are shifting away from using phenol formaldehyde (PF) due to concerns regarding formaldehyde emissions. The primary alternative is the use of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (PMDI) adhesives. However, the adoption of PMDI adhesives can be challenging due to their higher cost, lower tack, and lower viscosity compared to PF. To be economically viable, soy substitution must not only reduce costs but also maintain or enhance product properties by reacting effectively with PMDI.
Significant progress has been made in developing methods to mix and optimize this reaction scheme, with successful laboratory experiments conducted this year. These achievements have led to specific deliverables, including successful mill trials at Jeld-Wen for medium-density fiberboard production and at Great Southern Wood for preservative-treated porch columns. Additional mill trials are in the planning stages for further assessment. Furthermore, ongoing plans are being formulated to conduct trials at a CalPlant facility specializing in rice straw medium-density fiberboard production.