Enzymatic production of formaldehyd free fiberboards and wood compositesWood fiberboards do emit formaldehyd, which is toxic and cancerinogenic. The industry is looking for ways to reduce the emission or to find an alternative to current adhesives. At the University of Goettingen an innovative binder-free production of fiberboards based on enzymes and novel mediators has been developed. The Göttinger Enzyme-Mediator-production system is an alternative to substitute current chemical adhesives partially or totally. ChallengeWood fiberboards are valuable materials made from renewable sources. For it wood fibers are mixed with binders, formed and finally pressed. Mainly chemical binders or adhesives are being used, like Urea-Formaldehyde binder (UF-binder). The produced fiberboards do emit formaldehyde, which is toxic and carcinogenic. Therefore the authorities reduced the authorized limits of formaldehyde emission in wood composites, and thus the industry is looking for ways to reduce them or to find an alternative to current adhesives. Our SolutionScientists at the University of Goettingen developed an innovative binder-free production of fiberboards based on enzymes and novel mediators. The enzymatic adhesion of wood fibers is performed very quickly. There is no delay in the fiberboard production compared to current procedures. Thus, the Göttinger Enzyme-Mediator-production system is an alternative to substitute current chemical adhesives partially or totally. Advantages
ApplicationsEasy and fast production of fiberboards and wood composites, particularly MDF (boards, furniture, constructino sector), HDF (laminate), LDF (boards), insulating materials, packaging industry, moulds and pressed products. Developmental StatusSuccessful tested at pilot scale. Patent StatusGranted EP patent (EP2315651B1), validated in DE, FR, AT, PL. ContactDr. Stefan Uhle |