The aim of this work was to reduce the viscosity of formaldehyde-free corn starch-mimosa tannin wood adhesives, without adversely affecting the mechanical properties of the product. The reduction of viscosity was achieved using shear refinement. The study focused on the physical phenomena before cross-linking of the wood adhesive. The physical (rheological characterization) and mechanical (bond strength) properties of formaldehyde-free corn starch and mimosa tannin wood adhesives were measured. The results showed that the shear refinement (290 rpm and 5 min, optimal conditions) reduced the viscosity of the corn starch-mimosa tannin wood adhesives (from 100 000 to 458 Pa s) with the advantage of being stable over time. Mechanical tests showed that the shear refinement did not influence the mechanical properties of corn starch-mimosa tannin wood adhesives. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011