Performance evaluation of a natural based adhesive derived from Irvingia wood species kernel extracts on wood panel production

Irvingia seed kernels have been identified as potential raw materials for a wide range of applications such as biodiesel, cosmetics, perfume, and soap. As a result, the Irvingia wood species is earmarked for domestication globally in order to commercially exploit these potential benefits. This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of experimental panels made with pine (Pinus elliottii) wood particles, using modified Irvingia gabonensis (IG) and Irvingia wombolu (IW) extracts as a binder. The mean values of modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) for the panels produced with this Irvingia-based adhesive were 5.8 and 1251 MPa, respectively. These values are within the minimum requirement for MOR and MOE (5.5 and 1034 MPa, respectively) for panel grade 1-L-1 as specified by the American National Standards Institute A208.1. The results from the study show that Irvingia kernel extracts may be considered as a potential environmentally friendly adhesive for wood composite manufacture.