Bio-based adhesive system from invasive plant cellulose for sustainable plywood manufacturing
A sustainable adhesive technology that converts harmful invasive plants (stinging nettle, giant hogweed, foxglove) into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), then combines it with starch and epoxy polymer to create bio-based adhesives for plywood manufacturing. This approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic adhesives while managing invasive plant species.
Overview
This research proposes a sustainable bio-based adhesive system for wood panel manufacturing. The technology addresses two challenges simultaneously: managing harmful invasive plant species and reducing reliance on synthetic adhesives in the plywood industry. By extracting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from invasive plants such as stinging nettle, giant hogweed, and foxglove, and combining it with starch and epoxy polymer, the project delivers an environmentally friendly adhesive formulation suitable for three-ply plywood production.
The approach offers a circular economy opportunity for the wood products industry, enabling manufacturers to source adhesive components from locally available invasive biomass while reducing the environmental footprint of plywood manufacturing.
Technical specifications
Core process steps:
- Delignification of selected invasive plant material using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment
- Synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from the processed plant fibers
- Formulation of starch-based bio-adhesive through addition of CMC, starch, and epoxy polymer
- Application of the adhesive to fabricate three-ply wood panels
Key characterization methods:
- Surface morphology analysis using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Crystallographic characterization via X-ray diffraction (XRD)
- High-resolution morphological imaging using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM)
- Bonding tensile strength testing of plywood using a mechanical testing machine
- Curing temperature determination through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Thermal stability assessment via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
- Viscosity and rheological characterization using a controlled-stress rheometer
Technology readiness level
The project is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Initial laboratory synthesis of CMC from invasive plant sources has been planned alongside adhesive formulation and plywood panel fabrication. Future validation efforts include full adhesive synthesis, plywood preparation, morphological characterization, and mechanical tensile strength testing of bonded panels. The research is positioned for further development toward industrial-scale adhesive production and wood panel manufacturing applications.
About Aalto University
Aalto University is a multidisciplinary public research university in Espoo known for combining scientific research, design‑driven innovation, and entrepreneurship. Its compact campus places faculty, students, startups, and national research labs side by side, enabling rapid prototyping and piloting with industry partners, while a campus innovation district hosts corporate R&D next to university facilities. Company collaboration is built into co‑created courses, sponsored thesis work, and long‑term partnerships. Research is supported by competitive national and European funding, including the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, and the EU, and a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and incubation to accelerate spinouts and corporate‑academic ventures.
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