Development of Simple Test Method using VOC Analyzer to Measure Volatile Organic Compounds Emission for Particleboards

The volatile organic compound (VOC) Analyzer is a portable device to measure the four main aromatic hydrocarbon gases: toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene. With the VOC Analyzer, a semiconductor gas sensor eliminates the need for the carrier gas which is required for conventional gas chromatographs. In addition, since the semiconductor gas sensor is supersensitive to gas components, it is not necessary to use a conventional gas concentrator or other complicated equipment. Compared with other measurement methods, the VOC analyzer is useful for measuring toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene in wood-based panel because of its ease in obtaining field results and repeating the test. The VOC Analyzer primarily measures four VOC in the air. In this study, we designed a test method of VOC measurement for particle board. A specimen was sealed in 3L polyester bag, after 96hours we could measure maximum VOC emission level that is a stabilized VOC Value. For easy, fast and economic testing of TVOC emission from wood-based panel, we developed the test method with the VOC Analyzer. The VOC Analyzer is expected to gain widespread use in the manufacturing field where a quick and easy test for VOC emission from wood-based panel is required. Furthermore, the VOC Analyzer promises to become an easier, faster and more economic technique than the currently used standard methods.