Effect of the surface finishing methods on particleboard volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde emission

Chemical contaminants from wood-based panels, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde, are the main sources of indoor air pollution. The particleboards were used as the substrate and five common finishing methods, including melamine-impregnated paper, high-density polyethylene decorative film, wood veneer, polypropylene water borne paintings coatings, and polyurethane water borne paintings coatings, were selected for this study. The emission curves in the first 6 h and the equilibrium concentrations of the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and formaldehyde processed with the finishing wood-based panel method for 24 h were obtained and measured using an airtight environmental chamber. The ingredients of the VOCs were investigated using the small chamber method and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results indicated that the finishing methods were effective for reducing the emissions of TVOC (except the water borne coating) and formaldehyde of the particleboards. High density polyethylene film was the best finishing material to reduce the release of TVOC. The concentration of the veneered particleboard from the third to the tenth hour was higher than the unfinished particleboards. The veneered particleboard released six volatile ingredients to a lesser extent than the unfinished particleboard.