Effects of temperature on volatile organic compounds and odor emissions of polyvinyl chloride laminated MDF
The objective of this study was to investigate odor active compounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) laminated medium density fiberboard (MDF) and explore the effect of temperature on total volatile organic compound (TVOC) and odor emissions. A micro thermal extractor was used based on the technology of gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy/olfactometry. The results showed that fruity, sweet, fragrant, and aromatic were the dominant odor impressions of PVC laminated MDF and were primarily concentrated in aromatics. Decoration treatment could effectively prevent the release of some odor compounds from MDF, yet these could add new odor substances. In the test period, the total odor intensity of MDF decreased more rapidly than that of PVC because of the characteristic of exposure. The TVOC from PVC increased when the temperature increased, and the effect was more significant early in the test period. Increasing temperature could accelerate the appearance of some odor active substances. The fastest release of odorant compounds occurred at 40°C. At higher temperature (60°C in this experiment), some substances could be enhanced, causing an increase in TVOC and odor. The temperature contrast between 40°C and 60°C contributed greatly to the release of alkanes, alcohols, esters, and ketones.