Abstract: An aqueous reaction product of a composition that may consist essentially of a source of an acid having a pKa in water of about 2 to about 8, a source of a base having a pKb in water of about 2 to about 6, and urea. A curable urea/formaldehyde resin composition may contain a curable urea/formaldehyde resin and the foregoing composition, and may be made by combining the resin with the composition. A reconstituted wood product may be made by combining particulate lignocellulosic material with the foregoing curable resin, and curing the resin. Optionally, a reconstituted wood panel may contain a particulate lignocellulosic material and a binder composition comprising the cured product of curable resin and the aforesaid aqueous reaction product. A concentrate for forming a polymerization enhancing composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Melamine-urea-formaldehyde resins may be prepared using processes including a first cook stage, a second cook stage, and a final addition wherein: the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea and melamine (F:U+M) in the first cook stage is from about 2.0 to about 5.0; and the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea and melamine (F:U+M) in the second cook stage is from about 1.5 to 3.0; and the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea and melamine (F:U+M) in the final addition from about 0.4 to 0.70.

Abstract: Melamine-urea-formaldehyde resins may be prepared using processes including a first cook stage, a second cook stage, and a final addition wherein: the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea and melamine (F:U+M) in the first cook stage is from about 2.0 to about 5.0; and the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea and melamine (F:U+M) in the second cook stage is from about 1.5 to 3.0; and the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea and melamine (F:U+M) in the final addition from about 0.4 to 0.70.

Abstract: Disclosed is a binder composition for binding substrates such as wood furnish for particleboard manufacture. The binder comprises a mixture of a first aqueous solution, comprising a buffering salt catalyst and preferably an acid, with a second aqueous solution comprising urea and formaldehyde. Methods of using the buffering salts as catalyst for curing urea-formaldehyde resins are also disclosed.