Microwave-enhanced release of formaldehyde from plywood

Abstract

Abstract The release of formaldehyde from plywood has been greatly reduced by treatment with microwave radiation. Formaldehyde emission in the air was measured before, during, and after 2.45-GHz microwave treatment. The concentration of formaldehyde released increased with microwave irradiation and, after the microwave treatment, decreased to a level below that of nontreated material. Microwaves were effective in releasing free formaldehyde from the plywood, which is preferable to it being emitted as “potential formaldehyde” via hydrolysis. Microwaves released formaldehyde from plywood samples more effectively compared to samples subjected to thermal energy from external heating. This suggests that microwaves directly activate free formaldehyde molecules, which have a polarity that is susceptible to microwaves. Microwave treatment is expected to be an effective way to reduce free formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials containing resins.