Physico-Mechanical Properties and the TVOC Emission Factor of Gypsum Particleboards Manufactured with Pinus Massoniana and Eucalyptus Sp

The effect of wood species on the TVOC emission factor and the physico-mechanical properties of GPBs is investigated. Of the two wood species, the water absorption was higher for the GPBs made using Eucalyptus sp. than for those using Pinus massoniana. The Eucalyptus sp. GPBs pressed at room temperature, 40 and 60°C all demonstrated higher moisture absorption than commercial GPBs. The TVOC emission factor decreased with increasing press temperature, especially for Eucalyptus sp. but remained under 'excellent' grade as defined by the KACA. From these results, GPB with higher content of wood particles should be considered for the replacement of wood-based panels such as particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF).