The search for sustainable alternatives to formaldehyde-based adhesives has intensified in recent years, driven by increasing concerns over environmental impact and human health risks. Widely used in wood-based composites, conventional adhesives rely heavily on petrochemical resources and are known to release volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde. Despite the growing interest in bio-based substitutes, most existing systems struggle to balance bonding strength, durability, and recyclability.
In this context, researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates performance and sustainability in a single material platform. The adhesive is synthesized through a one-pot transesterification reaction using a CO 2 -based solvent system, in which a superbase serves both as solvent and catalyst. This design simplifies the preparation process while improving reaction efficiency.
The resulting CEP adhesive demonstrates a shear strength of up to 5.73 MPa, significantly outperforming many previously reported cellulose-based adhesives. More importantly, the material maintains high performance under demanding environmental conditions. Tests show that the adhesive retains a strength of 4.99 MPa at 100 °C and 5.54 MPa at –196 °C, indicating remarkable thermal stability. Under high humidity (90% relative humidity), it still achieves 4.87 MPa, highlighting its resistance to moisture-related degradation.
The study also reports stable long-term performance, with bonding strength remaining at 4.20 MPa after 28 days of exposure to ambient conditions. This durability is attributed to the combined effects of hydrogen bonding and mechanical interlocking at the adhesive–substrate interface. Microscopic analysis reveals that the adhesive penetrates wood pores and microstructures, forming a mixed interfacial layer that enhances load transfer and bonding integrity.
One of the most distinctive features of the CEP adhesive is its reusability. Unlike conventional thermosetting adhesives, which form irreversible bonds, the CEP system can be dissolved in water, allowing bonded substrates to be separated and reassembled. This reversible bonding capability enables multiple dissolution–rebonding cycles without significant loss of performance, offering a practical route for material recycling and reuse.
The researchers further demonstrate that the adhesive is compatible with a wide range of substrates, including wood, bamboo, metals, and polymers, although performance varies depending on surface properties. The strongest adhesion is observed on lignocellulosic materials, where chemical affinity and porous structure favor interfacial interactions.
From a materials design perspective, the work highlights the importance of balancing molecular parameters such as the degree of substitution and solution viscosity. These factors govern the adhesive’s wettability, penetration behavior, and interfacial bonding, ultimately determining overall performance.
By combining high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability, the CEP adhesive addresses several long-standing challenges in the development of bio-based adhesives. Its water-soluble nature and CO 2 -assisted synthesis further reinforce its sustainability profile, aligning with broader efforts to transition toward circular material systems.
The findings suggest potential applications in reconfigurable furniture, recyclable packaging, and structural components exposed to variable thermal conditions. More broadly, the study provides a new design framework for multifunctional cellulose-based materials, emphasizing the integration of performance and lifecycle considerations at the molecular level.
See the article:
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100251
Original Source URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S236996982600023
Journal
Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts
Experimental study
Not applicable
An All-in-One Water-Soluble Cellulose Adhesive: Exhibiting Robust Bonding, Extreme-Temperature Tolerance and Reusability
10-Apr-2026