The objective of this work was to demonstrate the utilisation of cornstarch–mimosa tanninbased resins designed for application as an adhesive in particleboard production. Bond
qualities of cornstarch–mimosa tannin–urea formaldehyde (UF) resins and commercial UF
resin were assessed by using an automatic bonding evaluation system, prior to production of
particleboards panels. In order to evaluate the quality of cornstarch–mimosa tannin–UF
resins, particleboards were produced and physical and mechanical properties were investigated. These physical properties included rheological, thermogravimetric analysis and solid
phase 13C NMR analysis of resins. Internal bond, surface soundness, thickness swelling,
porosity, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity mechanical properties of particleboards
bonded with cornstarch–mimosa tannin–UF resins were also determined.
The results showed that it is possible to add cornstarch and mimosa tannin, respectively, up to
10 and 4% to the UF resin without to alter the physical and mechanical properties of the
boards. The performance of these panels is comparable to those of boards made using
commercial UF resin. Petrochemical UF resins could be partially substituted in industrial
applications by addition of cornstarch and mimosa tannin extracts.