Investigation of whey protein for producing MDF as adhesive additive

As it is well known that, most of the glue used in various industries are petroleum-derived and environmentally harmful adhesives. Among these industries, especially in the forest products field, synthetic resins such as urea-formaldehyde (UF), phenol formaldehyde (PF), melamine formaldehyde (MF) are used. However, fluctuations due to the oil price in the prices of these type glues and the problems of raw material supply seem to occur likely in near future. Furthermore their damages for human and environment health in social house-dwelling are known. Because of this, to be an alternative to petroleum-derived adhesives and to annihilate tangible and ecologic negatives, natural-based adhesives interested researcher recently. In this study, it is aimed to be used as an adhesive in the production of MDF with UF glue together protein which shows up in the cheese factory as byproduct and as whey protein called. Formaldehyde emission values and some physical and mechanical properties of standard MDF boards obtained using UF glue modified with whey protein were determined. The best result in the 24 hour water absorption test were determined with a result of 34,8% in boards groups produced using 10% WPI + %90 UF and 100% beech. The best result for the perpendicular tensile strength to the surface was obtained with a result of 0,76 N/mm2 using 10% WPI. The best result was obtained in the group of boards produced with UF glue modified with 10% WP and WPI in modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). The free formaldehyde emission value obtained in the WP and WPI board groups were determined as high when it compared to board groups produced by the standard UF. As a result of this study, it was observed that the WP waters which have negative and harmful effects on the flora-fauna characteristics of the environment which they are released can be treated in the forest products industry as glue additives. In addition, it was observed that WP which is a natural waste and urea formaldehyde derived from petroleum based raw materials can be easily applied together in production of MDF.