Fully Bio-Based Self-Crosslinked Poly(β-myrcene- co -itaconic anhydride) Microspheres Prepared by Self-Stabilized Precipitation Polymerization for Wood Adhesives

Abstract The continuous deepening of the sustainable development concept has increased the demand for bio-based wood adhesives. Herein, we propose self-crosslinked β-myrcene (MYRC)-itaconic anhydride (ITA) copolymer microspheres prepared via self-stabilized precipitation polymerization (2SP) with fully bio-based structural units for wood adhesive applications. The effects of the solvent, monomer ratio, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and temperature on the copolymerization behavior and product properties were systematically investigated. Experimental results showed the production of copolymer microspheres with a high yield (up to 67%), micron-scale particle size (2.36 μm), low dispersity (PSD = 1.01), and favorable morphology. The copolymer microspheres were then converted into a wood adhesive through amic acid formation in aqueous solution (which can be derived from green ammonia) and subsequent imidization. The adhesive exhibited high lap-shear strength on wood (2.0 MPa), and great resistance to low temperatures, water, and a wide range of solvents. Given its excellent performance and adherence to the sustainability concept, this adhesive is a promising candidate for sustainable wood-bonding applications.