Physico-mechanical Properties and Formaldehyde/TVOC Emission of Particleboards with Volcanic Pozzolan

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physico-mechanical properties and characteristics on reduction of formaldehyde and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) emission from particleboard (PB) with added volcanic pozzolan. Pozzolan was added as a scavenger at the level of 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt.% of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin for PB manufacture. The moisture content, density, thickness swelling, water absorption and physical properties of PBs were examined. Three-point bending strength and internal bond strength were determined using a universal testing machine. Formaldehyde and TVOC were determined by desiccator and 20L small chamber methods. With increasing pozzolan content the physical and mechanical properties of the PBs were not significantly changed, but formaldehyde and TVOC emissions were decreased. Because pozzolan has a rough and irregular surface with porous form, it can be used as a scavenger for PBs at a content up to 10 wt.% without any detrimental effect on the physical and mechanical properties.