Final answer:
The wood strands in OSB are bonded together with glue, specifically a formaldehyde-based resin like phenol-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde. This creates a strong and moisture-resistant panel, unlike when using nails, screws, or bolts, which can weaken the structure by creating holes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The wood strands in OSB, which stands for Oriented Strand Board, are bonded together with a type of glue. This adhesive is designed to be both strong and durable, allowing the various layers of wood strands to resist separation under various conditions. The glue typically used in the production of OSB is a formaldehyde-based resin, such as phenol-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde, which provides excellent bonding properties and resistance to moisture.
Unlike methods that use nails, screws, or bolts to join materials, glues offer an even distribution of adhesion that does not weaken the structural integrity of the wood by creating holes or potential points of failure. The production process involves mixing the wood strands with the adhesive and then compressing the mixture under high heat and pressure to form the panels. This ensures a consistent and reliable bond throughout the entire panel.