Investigation of variables affecting hot-press formaldehyde and methanol emissions during laboratory production of urea-formaldehyde-bonded particleboard

• Published in: Forest products journal Vol. 46; no. 9; pp. 62 - 68
• Main Authors: WOLCOTT, J. J, MOTTER, W. K, DAISY, N. K, TENHAEFF, S. C, DETLEFSEN, W. D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison, WI Forest Products Society 01.09.1996
• Subjects: Acids; Aldehydes; Aluminum; Applied sciences; Chromatography; Emissions; Exact sciences and technology; Forest products industry; Gases; Investigations; Laboratories; Moisture content; Particle size; Phenols; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Regulatory agencies; Resins; Statistical analysis; Studies; Trends; Variables; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds; Wood products; Wood-based materials; Wood. Paper. Non wovens; Hot pressing; Urea; Adhesives; Particle board; Urea formaldehyde resins; Gas release; Manufacture; Experimental study; Formaldehyde; Methanol
• ISSN: 0015-7473; 2376-9637

Variables that affect hot-press formaldehyde and methanol emissions from particleboard bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin are investigated. A system has been developed to collect hot-press emissions from particleboard made in the laboratory. The system consists of an aluminum caul plate that is sealed when the press is closed, but has an inlet and outlet to allow air to be drawn through space immediately surrounding the board during pressure. The emissions are trapped with a series of liquid-filled scrubbers in an ice bath. The scrubber contents are then analyzed for formaldehyde using the chromotopic acid method. The results from a number of studies demonstrate that several variables affect hot-press formaldehyde and methanol emissions. Formaldehyde emissions increased with increasing press time, platen temperature, moisture content, resin level and formaldehyde-to-urea mole ratio. There was a close relationship between the emissions and the moisture movement out of the panel.