Development of a Sustainable Adhesive from Pachira aquatica Aubl. Seed Oil and Its Applicability in Wood and Particleboard Bonding

This research project aims to develop a natural and sustainable adhesive from the oil extracted from munguba seeds (Pachira aquatica Aubl.), evaluating its efficiency in bonding solid wood and medium-density particleboards. The proposal emerges as an environmentally friendly alternative to commercial adhesives widely used in the wood industry, which often contain formaldehyde—a substance linked to environmental impacts and health risks.

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The development of the adhesive seeks to contribute to creating more sustainable materials while maintaining technical performance compatible with industry requirements. It is expected that the results obtained will allow the product to meet applicable national and international standards for adhesives used in wood products.

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To characterize the adhesive, tests will be conducted to measure viscosity, solids content, gelatinization time, pH, and density. For the bonded elements—including lamellas, small wood blocks, and particleboards—various technological tests will be performed to assess material performance, such as glue-line strength, percentage of wood failure, static bending, Janka hardness, perpendicular tensile strength, swelling and water absorption, density profile, apparent density, and screw withdrawal resistance.

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Additionally, the material’s degradability against wood-degrading agents, such as fungi and termites, will be evaluated to determine its durability and suitability under different usage conditions. Based on the results, it is also expected that a patent application for the developed adhesive could be pursued, expanding the project’s potential for technological innovation.

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Status: Ongoing
Type: Research

Members: Fabricio Gomes Gonçalves (Coordinator); Robson Costa de Sousa; Juarez Benigno Paes; Roberto Carlos Costa Lelis; Émilly Soares Gomes Silva; Pedro Gutemberg de Alcantara Segundinho; Geraldo Regis Mauri; Bruno Miguel de Morais Lemos Esteves.