The use of isocyanate adhesive for the binding of wood and wood products has been increasing in Indonesia particularly for research needs since wood products bonded by glue-based formaldehyde release formaldehyde emission that have been found to have carcinogenic effect and may lead to sick house syndrome. There are at least two types of isocyanate commonly used in Indonesia, namely isocyanate cross-linker and isocyanate alone. Isocyanate cross-linker is used together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) forming a water-based polymer-isocyanate emulsion; thus, its application using spreading technique for binding engineered wood products such as glue laminated timber (glulam) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). For isocyanate alone, because its viscosity is adequate for spraying, it is preferably used for producing wood-based panels, especially particleboard and fiberboard. In this chapter, the characteristics of both types of isocyanate usually used in Indonesia are presented. Some research studies of the authors are also provided.
Part of the book: Applied Adhesive Bonding in Science and Technology