Choosing the Right Adhesive for Lamination Glue
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ADHESIVE FOR LAMINATION GLUE
The construction industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainable materials, with wood emerging as a popular choice over traditional materials like steel and concrete. This trend has led to a surge in demand for adhesives used in timber laminating, as they enable the construction of high-rise buildings made entirely of wood.
Timber laminating involves the use of adhesives in cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (glulam) beams, which come in various forms such as I-beams, straight laminated beams, curved laminated beams, and wall beams. The adhesive's role is to bond the different layers of wood together, creating strong and lightweight structures that rival the strength of concrete and steel.
One of the main benefits of timber laminating is its ability to enable the construction of high-rise buildings made entirely of wood. While wood is typically considered a fire-sensitive material and weaker than concrete and steel, laminated timber beams can be treated to enhance their fire resistance, making them suitable for use in even the most demanding environments.
Glulam and CLT have become popular materials in the construction of high-rise buildings, with the tallest wooden tower, Mjøstårnet, located near Oslo, Norway. This building, made entirely of wood and timber, relies heavily on glulam and CLT beams for its structural integrity.
There are several types of adhesives used in timber laminating, each offering strong bonds and enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the beams. The choice of adhesive depends on factors such as the type of wood, environmental requirements, and the desired application and curing process. It is also crucial to ensure compatibility between the adhesive and any preservatives used on the timber.
Three common adhesive systems used in timber laminating include melamine (urea) formaldehyde adhesives, phenol resorcinol formaldehyde adhesives, and polyurethane adhesives.
Melamine formaldehyde (MF) and melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives are multi-component glues that require a hardener to set and cure. They provide timber with colored glue lines and enhanced water resistance. Some MUF adhesives also have natural fire resistance properties, making them suitable for demanding environments. However, it is essential to choose sustainable melamine formaldehyde systems with low formaldehyde emissions.
Phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives also cure through polycondensation and form dark-colored, weather and water-resistant glue lines. They are commonly used in load-bearing and non-load-bearing constructions such as wall beams and glulam.
Polyurethane (PUR) adhesives offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to formaldehyde-containing systems. They are moisture-curing, one-component systems that do not require a hardener, resulting in faster curing times and increased efficiency. PUR adhesives are also formaldehyde-free and offer more flexibility compared to other adhesive types.
Choosing the right adhesive for timber laminating can be a complex process, considering factors such as efficiency and product durability. Consulting with experts in the field can help ensure the selection of the most suitable adhesive for specific production needs. At AdhesivePlatform, we are committed to providing comprehensive information, advice, and access to adhesive specialists to help you find the best adhesive for timber laminating applications.
