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100% non-toxic and 25% stronger than currently available products; Reduction of health problems and related expenses ($9m – $48m per year1) caused by formaldehyde exposure.
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Description: This invention provides particle board or fiber board that is 100% non-toxic and 25% stronger than currently available products. This is accomplished by replacing commonly used formaldehyde based resins with a safe, renewable nanocellulose based binder. Benefits: - Reduction of health problems and related expenses ($9m – $48m per year1) caused by formaldehyde exposure - 25% strength increase reduces material and transportation costs - Nanocellulose, a renewable resource, replaces binders generally synthesized from non-renewable resources Most conventionally manufactured particle board contains a formaldehyde-based binder system which releases toxic formaldehyde into living spaces. Exposure to formaldehyde causes respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, cancer, and reproductive issues. The UMaine cellulose nanofiber adhesive system is a non-toxic alternative to formaldehyde based adhesives. While there are no other 100% safe binders available2, current better alternatives to formaldehyde-based binders include adhesive systems comprised of soy, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and methylene diisocyanate (MDI) and Ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins. Soy binders appear to adequately address the toxicity problem; however, a leading soy binder has another primary component, polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin, which in turn is manufactured from a chemical known as epichlorohydrin, a probable or likely human carcinogen. No toxic precursors are required for the UMaine system. As an additional benefit, early tests of the UMaine boards demonstrate a 25% increase in strength compared to the same size conventional board. This translates into opportunities for stronger structures and/or cheaper building and transportation costs.