Montmorillonite reinforced phenol formaldehyde resin: Preparation, characterization, and application in wood bonding

In this study, the montmorillonite (MMT) reinforced phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin intercalated nano-composite of PF–MMT was prepared from phenol, formaldehyde, and pristine MMT. We then introduced this PF–MMT into the production of plywood from Simao Pine veneers. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), and bonding strength revealed the related structure, curing, and mechanical properties. The thermoplastic PF with a linear structure entered the MMT layers and then formed the network structure after cured. The wet bonding strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of plywood were improved significantly. This preparation is simple and easy, and can be applied in the production of wood industry.