ObjectiveThis paper is to study the effects of different surface finishes on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission from particleboard and to analyze the main limiting components of VOCs from decorative particleboard.

MethodA 1 m³ climate chamber and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy were used to examine the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) emitted by 18-mm-thick particleboards over 28 days in one cycle, as well as the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mass concentration of each component. The effects of different surface finishes on the emission of VOCs from particleboard were analyzed from three aspects: TVOC emission characters, variation in the mass concentration of a single component in VOCs, and VOC mass concentration decay rate. The main VOC components emitted from particleboard that should be limited were analyzed by their type and concentration until they reached a state of equilibrium on day 28.

ResultNone of the surface finishes changed the emission trend of TVOCs from particleboard, but they strongly influenced the emission rate of TVOCs, especially in the early stage. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) finishing most obviously reduced the TVOC emission rate from particleboard, whereas the surface treatment involving coating with acrylic water-based paint increased the emission rate of TVOCs. The main VOCs substances emitted from decorative particleboards were different, and the closure effects of different surface finishes for VOCs were different. Through analysis of the harmfulness of emission substances for PVC-coated particleboard, methylbenzene and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as dibutyl phthalate were recommended to be limited. For acrylic water-based paint coated particleboard, it is recommended that ethanediol, 1, 2-propylene glycol, the aromatic hydrocarbons methylbenzene and xylene, and cyclohexanone should be controlled. For melamine faced particleboard, it is recommended that the aromatic hydrocarbons toluene and phenanthrene should be limited.

ConclusionSurface finishes do not change the TVOC emission tendency of particleboard, but they have a significant effect on TVOC emission rate, monomer VOC emission rate, and the main components of the VOCs of particleboard. Therefore, the main VOC components that should be limited are different due to the diverse types of decorative particleboard.