ObjectiveThis paper aims to study the effects of melamine faced treatment on odor concentration and intensity, and the difference of TVOC and components between melamine faced MDF and MDF.

MethodMelamine faced MDF and its control MDF were sampled by 1 m³ climate chamber, and odor-characteristic compounds were determined by gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry.

ResultThe results revealed that the total odor mass concentration of melamine faced MDF decreased by 21.06% compared with the control. After melamine paper overlaying, the mass concentration of arenes and aldehyde ketones increased by 16.88% and 3.08%, respectively, while the mass concentration of esters, alkenes, alcohols and odorless compounds decreased by 7.74%, 4.34%, 0.20% and 7.68%, respectively. More types of the odor-characteristic compounds were given off from overlaid MDF than its control, but its odor intensity was relatively weaker. The ordor of odor-characteristic compounds can be classified as bitter, charred, fragrant, roasted sweet, aromatic, and grassy smells. Dibutyl phthalate, decanal, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and benzene were detected in both boards. In addition, the mass concentration and odor intensity of the control were higher than the overlaid MDF. Although the types of odor increased after overlaying, the odor intensity was somewhat perceptibile (odor level ≤2) and contributed little to the overall odor intensity of the board.

ConclusionThe odor-characteristic compounds, their mass concentration and odor intensity were inhibited by the melamine impregnated paper. The mass concentration of the same odor-characteristic compound will influence the odor intensity to some extent.