Long-term development of VOC emissions from OSB after hot-pressing

An oriented strand board (OSB) made of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was tested for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions 24 h after the hot-pressing process over a period of 2 months. The predominant emissions from the OSB were monoterpenes and aldehydes. Terpene emissions decreased continuously, whereas aldehyde concentrations initially increased and subsequently decayed. Aldehydes are formed by the autoxidative splitting of unsaturated fatty acids contained in the wood. Due to the delayed release of aldehydes, a comparison of different emission test results is only possible if age and storage conditions are clearly specified. For a reduction in VOC emissions from wood-based materials, wood properties, manufacturing process, and storage conditions have to be considered.