Assessing Panelboard Volatile Organic Compound Emission Profiles through Renewables Use

With an increasing prevalence of renewables used as binders in panelboard products, it is of interest to know how these renewables may impact manufacturing environments and product performance. In this study, soy and zein proteins together with a kraft lignin and condensed tannin extract have been evaluated for contributions to volatile organic compounds arising in press emissions from processing hardwood veneer plywood. Analysis revealed aldehydes tended to dominate press emissions, with both proteinaceous materials producing significantly higher acetaldehyde and hexaldehyde emissions relative to the wood veneer used. Other aldehydes, including formaldehyde, valeraldehyde, and propionaldehyde, were also produced but in relatively lower quantities. The use of polyphenolics led to lower formaldehyde content in press emissions with tannin, also reducing acetaldehyde and other aldehydes in press emissions. Chamber testing plywood panels found the composition of VOC emissions initially released from panels to be prominent compounds in press emissions produced during panel manufacture.