Protein-based biomaterials for temporary construction

Abstract

Interest in reducing the environmental impacts of building materials has prompted the development of biobased construction material alternatives from renewable resources. This study investigated the potential for animal-based protein derivatives to serve as low volatile organic compound (VOC), environmentally friendly adhesives for engineered wood products in temporary construction applications. First, the mechanical properties, namely bond strength, of virgin protein-based adhesives were characterized and compared to four commercially available adhesives. The flexural mechanical properties (e.g., flexural strength, flexural modulus of elasticity) of (a) two-ply glue-laminated composites and (b) laminated wood veneer composites manufactured using protein-based adhesives were characterized and compared to conventional engineered wood products, including oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard (MDF). In comparison to conventional adhesives and engineered wood products, the results suggest that protein-based adhesives have the potential to be used in construction as environmentally friendly wood adhesives and that protein-adhered laminated wood composites exhibit a potential to replace traditional engineered wood products, especially in formwork, scaffolding, and other temporary construction applications.