Effects of log storage conditions and steaming process on the formaldehyde emissions of particleboard manufactured from eucalyptus (E. camaldulensis) wood

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in formaldehyde emissions of eucalyptus particleboards produced from logs stored under different conditions (indoor, outdoor, and under water) or steamed. The pH and Stiasny values of particles changed significantly according to the storage condition and log steaming process. The pH values of particles obtained from steamed logs and stored outdoors for 4 months were found to be lower than those of the particles obtained from logs stored in the other aforementioned two conditions. The peaks of acetyl groups in the IR-spectra of the four group particles were similar. There was a strong relationship among the formaldehyde emission values of the panels pressed at 150 °C and the Stiasny values of the particles from which the panels were produced. The formaldehyde emission values of the panels pressed at 190 °C were lower than those of the panels pressed at 150 °C.