Evaluating Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Cross-Laminated Timber Bonded with a Soy-Based Adhesive
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Date
2020-10
Authors
Yauk, Michael
Stenson, Jason
Donor, Micah
Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from indoor sources are large determinants
of the indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant health. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a panelized
engineered wood product often left exposed as an interior surface finish. As a certified structural
building product, CLT is currently exempt from meeting VOC emission limits for composite wood
products and confirming emissions through California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard
Method testing. In this study, small chamber testing was conducted to evaluate VOC emissions
from three laboratory-produced CLT samples: One bonded with a new soy-based cold-set adhesive;
a second bonded with a commercially available polyurethane (PUR) adhesive; and the third assembled
without adhesive using dowels. A fourth commercially-produced eight-month-old sample bonded
with melamine formaldehyde (MF) adhesive was also tested. All four samples were produced with
Douglas-fir. The test results for the three laboratory-produced samples demonstrated VOC emissions
compliance with the reference standard. The commercially-produced and aged CLT sample bonded
with MF adhesive did not meet the acceptance criterion for formaldehyde of ≤9.0 μg/m3. The estimated
indoor air concentration of formaldehyde in an office with the MF sample was 54.4 μg/m3; the results
for the soy, PUR, and dowel samples were all at or below 2.5 μg/m3.
Description
11 pages
Keywords
cross-laminated timber, adhesives, formaldehyde, polyurethene, IAC, VOCs, soy
Citation
Yauk, M.; Stenson, J.; Donor, M.; Van Den Wymelenberg, K. Evaluating Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Cross-Laminated Timber Bonded with a Soy-Based Adhesive. Buildings 2020, 10, 191. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10110191