The simultaneous preparation of nano cupric oxide (CuO) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin in one system: aimed to apply as wood adhesives

To reduce the cost of nano copper oxide (CuO) modified phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin, the PF resin synthesis and the preparation of the nano CuO were carried out simultaneously in one system. The modified PF resins were evaluated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS), and thermogravimetry (TG). Physical and mechanical properties of oriented strand board (OSB) prepared using these modified PF resins were also evaluated. XPS results proved that nano CuO was present in the modified PF resin. XRD data showed that the derived nano CuO has a face-centered cubic structure. The minimum particle size of nano CuO was below 10 nm and the distribution of CuO was uniform as seen in TEM and EDXS images. TG analysis illustrated that the main degradation peak of the modified PF resins narrowed and shifted to a lower temperature by introducing nano CuO. Though the physical and mechanical properties of OSB decreased slightly, values were still within the requirements set by the appropriate Chinese Standard; this means that the modified PF resin has potential to be applied in engineered wood composites manufacturing.