Condensation
Condensation is a chemical reaction in which two or
more molecules combine, with the elimination of water.
Condensation is thus the exact reverse of hydrolysis. A
condensation reaction important in fiberboard manufacture
is the curing of phenolic resins, which are added to
the fiber as binders (fig. 22). This reaction takes place at
elevated temperature, developing a large three-dimensional
network forming a permanent bond between
fibers. Similar condensation reactions may occur between
cell wall components in the hotpress, resulting in fiber
bonds without the benefit of added resin adhesives.