Reduction of formaldehyde release from panel products

Most of the synthetic adhesives used for manufacture of panel products contain formaldehyde as one of the constituents. The Residual formaldehyde in the adhesive gets released during the course of the life of the panel products. The emission of formaldehyde from panels bonded with Urea Formaldehyde resin adhesive has been receiving increasing concern in recent years as it is reported to be a health hazard. At international level, there is lot of restriction on use of panel products which releases formaldehyde above certain levels prescribed by the world health organization. However, in India not much importance was given on these aspects until 2007. Increased public awareness and the consumer demand for non-hazardous products have now resulted as a driving force for the panel industries in India to develop E1 formaldehyde emission class panel products. Facilities have also been established to determine the formaldehyde release from panel products as per European standards. Keeping in view the harmful effect on the end users and environment considerations, studies have been made to develop amino resin system using suitable scavengers that could mop up the free formaldehyde during the resin preparation.