Investigation of technical characteristics and formaldehyde emission from particleboard panels with thiocarbamide functional group

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Cellulosic Materials and Packaging Research Group, Research Center of Chemistry and Petrochemistry, Standard Research Institute, Karaj, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.398562.1356

Abstract

This study focused on the influence of several novel scavengers on the physical, mechanical, and formaldehyde emission properties of particleboards produced with urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin. Three different scavengers with thiocarbamide functional groups—thiourea, thioacetamide, and thiosemicarbazide—were incorporated into the UF resin at 2%, 4%, and 6% (by weight) loading levels based on the oven-dried weight of the resin. All single-layer particleboards were produced under laboratory conditions. The formaldehyde emission, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB), water absorption, and thickness swelling of the specimens were determined according to relevant standards. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the effect of the scavengers’ functional groups on formaldehyde reduction. The results indicated that formaldehyde emission from the particleboard panels decreased significantly with increasing scavenger content. The lowest formaldehyde emission was observed in specimens containing thiosemicarbazide (0.42 mg/L), followed by thiourea (0.46 mg/L) and thioacetamide (0.49 mg/L) at a 6 wt% loading level. The formaldehyde emission of the control samples was 0.71 mg/L. Evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties showed that mechanical strength parameters—including MOR, MOE, and IB—decreased with increasing scavenger content, while water absorption and thickness swelling increased. Based on the results, all treatments met the requirements for particleboards intended for interior fitments for use in dry conditions (P2 grade) according to the EN 312 standard.

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References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 78, Issue 3
November 2025
Pages 235-251

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