Liquefaction of the Used Creosote-Treated Wood in the Presence of Phenol and Its Application to Phenolic Resin

Abstract

A limited initial study was made to evaluate liquefaction of creosote-treated southern pine wood sawdust with liquefaction of birch wood powder as a control. The objective was to assess the feasibility of using creosote-treated southern pine wood as a raw material for the-formulation-of-phenol-based resin adhesives. The liquefaction was conducted in the presence of phenol with sulfuric acid as a catalyst at reaction temperature and time of 150°C and 60 minutes, respectively. Novolac and resole resins were formulated from the liquefied wood, and their physical and mechanical properties of molding compounds made with them were determined. Residues obtained from samples of liquefied creosote-treated wood (5.8%) were significantly lower than those from non-treated birch wood powder (17.3%). Apparently, the residual creosote content of the treated-wood behaved as a reagent co-working with phenol to enhance the liquefaction. The flexural strength and the flexural modulus of moldings made from novolac resins prepared from liquefied creosotetreated wood were comparable to novolacs made from non-treated birch wood. Bond quality of southern pine plywood made from liquefied creosote-treated wood resin was only slightly lower than plywood made from conventional phenolic resin. Visual examination of the wood failure on broken shear specimens seemed to indicate overpenetration of the resin made from liquefied creosote-treated wood, and it was probably one of the major causes of lower bond quality. Nevertheless, the first attempt to formulate a phenol-based adhesive made from liquefied creosote-treated wood produced encouraging results. With additional studies. of resole formation and glue mix formulations, it is anticipated that a resin adhesive from liquefied creosote-treated wood with improved bond quality can be developed.

Citation

Shiraishi, Nubuo; Hse, Chung-Yun. 2000. Liquefaction of the Used Creosote-Treated Wood in the Presence of Phenol and Its Application to Phenolic Resin. Wood Ashesives 2000, Session 3B: Advances in Wood Ashesive Formulations, 259-266