Abstract

Parallel-plate rheological analysis was conducted on two types of cross-linking poly(vinyl acetate) latex films: dry freestanding films, and dry films bonded directly to wood (composites). For each sample type, three levels of cross-linking were used: (1) little or no cross-linking of unaltered latex; (2) substantial cross-linking through AlCl₃ catalysis of N-methylolacrylamide co-monomer; and (3) greater cross-linking from a phenol-formaldehyde resol additive, in addition to AlCl₃ catalysis. Simple thermal scans revealed a strong wood/adhesive interaction; wood increased the base polymer T _g by ∼5°C in all adhesives. Relative to the simple thermal scans, time-temperature master curves provided more insight and information about the wood/adhesive interaction. Storage modulus and tan δ master curves both indicated that wood retarded adhesive cross-linking. Using time-temperature superposition, a segmental coupling analysis demonstrated that wood actually narrowed the breadth of the glass transition, or reduced segmental coupling. Cross-linking influenced segmental coupling, but in a fashion that was dependent on the presence or absence of wood. Wood-induced reductions in cross-linking and in segmental coupling were attributed to the diffusion of water-soluble reactive compounds away from the adhesive layer and into the bulk wood. Time/temperature equivalence provides a sensitive means to detect interactions between wood and viscoelastic adhesives.