This workshop provides a practical, industry-focused introduction to the fundamental science and technology of wood adhesives used in the manufacture of wood composites and engineered panels. The course is designed to help participants understand how adhesive chemistry, wood properties, process conditions, and adhesive application interact to determine bond quality and finished-product performance.
The workshop begins with the fundamentals of adhesion and cohesion, followed by the chemistry and characteristics of commonly used wood adhesive systems. Participants will examine how adhesive formulation, viscosity, solids content, cure chemistry, and reactivity influence adhesive performance.
Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction between adhesive and manufacturing process conditions. Topics include adhesive application, spread rate, mixing, atomization, resin distribution, wood moisture, furnish characteristics, pressing conditions, temperature, pressure, press time, and cure. The workshop demonstrates how variation in these parameters can affect bonding, product strength, dimensional stability, emissions, and manufacturing costs.
The workshop is intended to provide participants with a strong foundation for making informed decisions regarding adhesive selection, formulation, application, process optimization, quality control, and cost reduction.