Structural characterization and mechanical properties of wet-processed fibreboard based on chemo-thermomechanical pulp, furanic resin and cellulose nanocrystals

Fibreboards are made of lignocellulosic fibres and synthetic adhesive which connect them. These synthetic adhesives, while relatively low-cost, are usually non-biodegradable and may cause health and environmental issues. Therefore, in recent years, there has been an increased demand for replacing these adhesives with bio-derived adhesives. The present study aims to develop fibreboards from chemo-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) and a furanic resin based on prepolymers of furfuryl alcohol via wet-processing. To improve the bonding properties, maleic acid, aluminium sulphate, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were added. The resulting fibreboards were evaluated for their structural features and mechanical properties. The bending strength was improved when CNCs were added into the fibre's suspension, and the morphology indicated a more compact structure. The combination of the CTMP with CNC and Biorez resulted in the same mechanical behaviours as those noted for CTMP alone, the best performance being observed for the boards in which Al₂(SO₄)₃ was added. Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction also proved the presence of cellulose nanocrystals and resin in the boards by increased specific bands intensity and crystallinity index, respectively.