Novel Bionic Soy Protein-Based Adhesive with Excellent Prepressing Adhesion, Flame Retardancy, and Mildew Resistance

Soy protein (SP)-based adhesives can replace traditional aldehyde-based adhesives for the manufacturing of wood-based panels. However, developing a SP-based adhesive with excellent prepressing bonding strength, flame retardancy, and mildew resistance remains a challenge. Herein, an inorganic crystal cross-linked hybrid SP adhesive was developed inspired by the “secreting–hardening” process of the mussel adhesive protein and the organic–inorganic hybrid adhesive system of the oyster. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) was introduced into the adhesive mixture of SP and acrylic acid to induce the in situ polymerization of acrylic acid to achieve adhesive gelation. The generation of the inorganic crystals by hydration of CSA not only contributed to the formation of a stable cross-linked hybrid adhesive system for strong cohesion but also provided strong interfacial adhesion between the adhesive layers and the plywood veneers. As anticipated, the prepared plywood sample bonded with the hybrid adhesive gel had an excellent prepressing bonding strength of 544 kPa, representing a significant increase compared to that of the pure SP adhesive (19 kPa). Moreover, the generated inorganic crystals endowed the adhesive with excellent mildew resistance and flame retardancy. This study provides a novel and effective strategy for the preparation of high-performance SP-based adhesives.