Mathematical Model for the Formaldehyde Emission from Wood Composites

Because of the possibility of harmful formaldehyde emissions from industrial-produced wood composites, the influence of temperature, relative humidity, and frequency of ventilation on formaldehyde emission from particleboard, plywood and fiberboard respectively, were investigated in this article. An improved generally applicable model for calculating the formaldehyde emission from wood composites was established by using the iteration method, a double exponential attenuation model, and mass transfer theory. The model parameters for the emission of formaldehyde from wood composites are also discussed in this article. It is concluded that a high-temperature or high-humidity environment will promote the emission of formaldehyde from wood composites. The process of emission of formaldehyde from wood composites can be divided into quick-release, slow-release, and release saturation phases. The formaldehyde concentration can be predicted from the formaldehyde mathematical model, and the maximum difference between observed and predicted formaldehyde concentrations is less than 15 percent under different general environmental conditions.