Hydrogen Peroxide as a Resin Cure Accelerator

The reaction of hydrogen peroxide with conventional resin adhesives was sufficiently exothermic for the heat to accelerate and improve resin cure in the hotpress. As a consequence, pressing times for medium density fibreboard, particleboard, and plywood could be reduced by up to 30% and, in some cases, better resin cure permitted a reduction in binder level. Differences in the interaction of hydrogen peroxide with various adhesives were observed and a catalyst was found to enhance the exothermic effect.

The behaviour of hydrogen peroxide in combination with a tannin-based binder and wood fibre was studied over a wide temperature range. Below 60°C the system was stable. At 70°C the initial reaction was endothermic followed by a slow exothermic reaction. At hotpressing temperatures the exothermic reaction was rapid but controllable. It was concluded that the hydrogen peroxide-tannin-fibre system does not impose an additional safety hazard on medium density fibreboard plant operation.