Influence of aging of UF-bonded particleboards on the release of volatile organic acids

The release of volatile organic acids from UF-bonded particleboards made from Scots pine was assessed after production as well as after aging for 13 years. The results reveal that aging significantly decreased the release of formic acid and substantially increased the emanation of acetic acid. The change in the release of volatile acids by aging seems to be highly independent of the hardener type used (ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate) as well as of the amount of added hardener.