Method for bonding wood and other composite materials using an electric current

In the manufacture of a particle board from electrically non-conductive structural, irregular-shaped reinforcement pieces dispersed throughout the board and thermally settable or curable adhesive, a method comprising the steps of:

• selecting reinforcement pieces which are capable of absorbing and retaining moisture;
• combining said reinforcement pieces with sufficient moisture and a sufficient quantity of electrolytic medium so as to cause said reinforcement pieces to become electrically conductive apart from any of said adhesive that might or might not be absorbed by said reinforcement pieces;
• combining said electrically conductive pieces with said adhesive so as to form a board with the pieces dispersed throughout the board;
• and
• applying voltage across said combination of electrically conductive pieces and adhesive so as to produce an electric current through said pieces which, in turn, generates heat within the combination sufficient to set or cure said adhesive.