Bio-based Adhesives: Chemistry, Performance and Applications
Course description
This introductory course is designed for doctoral students interested in research and development of bio-based adhesives for the wood product industry. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the chemistry, structure, and industrial applications of bio-adhesives, combining theoretical lectures with practical laboratory exercises and analytical evaluations.
The lectures offer an overview of the state of the art, covering key concepts, applications, and relevant techniques for analysing and evaluating bio-adhesives. During laboratory exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in adhesive chemistry and wood-based composites, culminating in a technical report.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to synthesise and test bio-based adhesives, fabricate and evaluate wood-based products, critically analyse recent advancements, and contribute innovative solutions to the industry.
Course facts
P000128, Bio-based Adhesives: Chemistry, Performance and Applications, 4.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: FUN, 2024-12-10
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Technology
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
Learning outcomes
After this course, the student will:
1. Understand the existing theories of adhesion.
2. Gain fundamental knowledge about the different types of adhesives and distinguish between fossil-based and bio-based adhesives.
3. Become familiar with the relationship between chemical structure and properties in the development of novel adhesives.
4. Have a basic understanding of bio-adhesive solutions, their advantages and disadvantages, and key requirements/desired properties.
5. Have foundational knowledge of wood industry products, their manufacturing processes, and performance requirements, including paper and cardboard, and wood-based panels
6. Be able to synthesise and evaluate bio-adhesives for use in various wood industry products.
7. Be able to use various analytical techniques and characterise adhesives and evaluate their performance for development and optimisation purposes.
8. Be able to produce a wood panel type using bio-adhesives and conduct basic wood panel tests for development and optimisation, and be familiar with laboratory production and evaluation of particleboard, fibreboard, and plywood.
Content
Modules
The course is organised into seven modules, divided into theoretical and practical components to provide a comprehensive understanding of bio-based adhesives.
Theoretical Modules
Module 1: Introduction
- Overview of the field of bio-based adhesives, with a focus on developments in Sweden and Europe.
- Introduction to current challenges and opportunities in the wood products industry.
Module 2: Chemistry (Mandatory)
- Fundamental theories of adhesion and their application to bio-based adhesives.
- Classification of adhesives, including synthetic and bio-based alternatives.
- Exploration of bio-adhesives for various substrates such as wood, paper, and other natural materials.
Module 3: Performance (Mandatory)
- Key performance parameters of bio-adhesives, including bond strength, durability, and environmental resistance.
- Factors influencing adhesive performance, such as substrate type, curing conditions, and formulation.
Module 4: Applications (Mandatory)
- Industrial applications of bio-based adhesives in wood products and beyond.
- Overview of manufacturing processes, product requirements, and standards.
- Practical approaches to laboratory-scale manufacturing and evaluation of adhesive performance.
Practical Modules
Module 5: Synthesis (Mandatory)
- Synthesis of bio-based adhesives using laboratory-scale techniques.
- Understanding the preparation and formulation of adhesives tailored to specific applications.
Module 6: Analysis (Mandatory)
- Spectral and thermal analysis of bio-based adhesives (e.g. FTIR spectrosocpy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC))
- Techniques for analysing adhesive properties, including viscosity, bond strength, and curing behaviour.
- Characterisation of adhesives to evaluate performance against industrial standards.
Module 7: Performance & Application (Mandatory)
- Laboratory manufacturing of wood-based panels using bio adhesives.
- Performance testing of wood panels, including mechanical tests and environmental durability assessments.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
The course includes one assignment, which will be completed individually. The assignment involves writing a technical report. Reports can be submitted up to two weeks after the course ends. A pass/fail grading system will be used, and students that do not pass will have an opportunity to revise their work. Detailed instructions for the assignments are provided when the course is announced and the timing of each part is outlined in the course schedule.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology
Supplementary information
Other Information
Course materials will be made available on Canvas at the same time the course is announced.