Modification of Soy Protein for Wood Adhesives using Mussel Protein as a Model: The Influence of a Mercapto Group

Abstract Summary: Mussel protein can serve as a strong and water‐resistant adhesive, but is expensive and not readily available. Soy protein is inexpensive, abundant, and readily available, but is a poor adhesive. Mussel protein contains a high amount of mercapto‐containing cysteine. This study revealed that increasing the free mercapto group content in soy protein could greatly increase the strength and water‐resistance of wood composites bonded with the modified soy protein. Preparation of the modified SPIs. image Preparation of the modified SPIs.