Clemson University

Wood Products Such as Plywood, Particleboard, and Fiberboard Rely on Adhesives to Provide Strength and Durability. Most Adhesives Currently Used in These Products Are Made From Petroleum-based Materials. at the Same Time, the U.s. Agricultural Sector Produces Large Quantities of Plant-based Protein Residues as By-products of Food, Feed, and Biofuel Processing. These Materials Represent a Potential Domestic Resource for Wood Adhesive Applications.this Project Examines How Plant-based Proteins From Agricultural Side Streams Can Be Used in Wood Adhesive Formulations. the Research Focuses on Understanding How Protein Composition, Structure, and Processing Affect Adhesive Behavior and Performance. by Identifying Relationships Between Raw Material Properties, Formulation Variables, and Bond Performance, the Project Generates Technical Information Relevant to Wood Products Manufacturing.the Project Also Includes Education and Training Activities That Provide Hands-on Experience in Adhesive Formulation, Materials Characterization, and Performance Testing. Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, and Early-career Researchers Participate in Laboratory Research, Workshops, and Training Exchanges With the Usda Forest Products Laboratory.project Results Are Shared With Academic, Government, and Industry Stakeholders Through Meetings, Workshops, Publications, and Presentations. Overall, the Project Contributes Technical Knowledge and Workforce Training That Support Continued Evaluation of Agricultural Residues for Use in Wood Adhesive Systems.