VOC-emission from wood-based panels

Wood is an inhomogeneous material, as sap- and heartwood show different emission characteristic. The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from wood-based panels depends on many interacting factors such as the wood species used, the adhesives applied and the pressing conditions selected. Storage decreases the emission of VOC from wood to a high extent. Also, the emission of wood-based panels declines noticeably on storage of the boards. On storage not only the amount of VOC changes but also the chemical composition of the volatile organic compounds. The decay rate of terpene compounds on storage seems to depend highly on their chemical composition. Treatment of wood with alkaline reagents decreases the overall VOC from wood and woodbased panels prepared therefrom. Further decrease of the emission can also be attained by storage of the boards. It is possible through treatment with alkaline reagents to decrease the emission of particleboards without negatively affecting the strength properties of the boards significantly. However, the treatment must be optimally applied.