Comparison on Reduction of VOCs Emissions from Radiata Pine (<i>Pinus Radiata D.</i> Don) between Sodium Bicarbonate and Ozone Treatments

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wood furniture are an important factor that affects indoor air quality. In this study, radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) was treated with sodium bicarbonate and ozone aqueous solution to reduce the VOC contents without sacrificing mechanical properties. The VOCs of radiata pine were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the functional group changes of wood samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the main VOCs of radiata pine include alkenes, aldehydes, and esters. The sodium bicarbonate and ozone treatments almost eliminated the VOC contents of radiata pine. The two treatments mentioned above had little effect on compressive strength and surface color of radiata pine.

Keywords

• indoor air quality
• volatile organic compounds
• sodium bicarbonate treatment
• ozone treatment
• radiata pine