Enhancing Wood Adhesive Strength of PVAc by Blending with Natural Rubber Latex

W ood adhesives are vital in numerous construction, furniture manufacturing, and woodworking industries, with a growing demand for environmentally sustainable formulations. In this study, the impacts of blending polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) with natural rubber latex on wood adhesive strength were investigated. The aim was to develop high-performance adhesives while promoting sustainability. Various properties of the adhesive blends were characterized, including pH, solid content, gel time, water contact angle, FTIR spectra, mechanical properties, adhesion strength, and thermal analysis. The results showed that increasing natural rubber latex content enhanced surface bonding and flexibility, with 25% rubber content achieving optimal adhesive performance. Chemical analysis revealed interactions between PVAc and rubber components, influencing mechanical properties. Tensile shear strength testing indicated a balance between strength and flexibility with the 25% rubber blend. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results demonstrated changes in glass transition temperature, affecting mechanical properties. Overall, the study contributed to developing eco-friendly, high-performance wood adhesives, offering insights into polymer blends applications in various wood-based industries.