Tensile shear strength of wood bonded with urea–formaldehyde with different amounts of microfibrillated cellulose

Urea–formaldehyde (UF) adhesive mixtures with a 5% suspension of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) at 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt% loading levels based on the solid weight (62.4%) of the UF adhesive were prepared. Beech lamellas with dimensions of 5 mm×20 mm×150 mm were prepared from beech lumbers using a planer saw. The UF adhesive (E0 class) was mixed with the MFC using a magnetic stirrer to achieve a proper distribution of the MFC in the UF adhesive. The tensile shear strength of single lap-joint specimens bonded with UF adhesive containing MFC was determined in accordance with EN 205 (2003). The specimens bonded with UF adhesive containing the MFC showed better tensile shear strengths as compared to the control. As compared to the control specimens, the tensile shear strength of the specimens increased by 5.7% as 3 wt% of the MFC was incorporated into the UF adhesive. However, a further increment in the MFC content up to 5 wt% decreased the tensile shear strength of the specimens (−14.3% of control specimen). The MFCs were well dispersed in the UF resin and were cross-linked to form a network to reinforce the bond line, improving bonding performance.