The ability of mussels to stick tight to rocks in heavy seas has led to the development of a new group of adhesives which could revolutionise parts of the wood products industry, provide a significant outlet for soy beans and have strong environmental and economic benefits.
Kaiching Li, an assistant professor of wood chemistry at Oregon State University, spearheaded the study of the chemistry of the mussels’ adhesive qualities after seeing them clinging to rocks in the ocean.
Now three patents are pending for new adhesives which may replace some of the formaldehyde-based wood adhesives currently used to make wood composite products such as plywood, OSB, particleboard and LVL.
According to the researchers, one of the patented adhesives is cost-competitive to urea-formaldehyde resins, but does not use formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals.
Another key advantage is the strength and water resistance of the new adhesives. Mr Li said plywood made with the adhesive can be boiled for several hours without losing its bonding capabilities.
The first licensing agreement has been reached with a company on a product that will be in commercial application soon and additional licensees are actively being sought.
