Substrate effects on VOC emissions from an interior finishing varnish

The effects of four substrates—an aluminium board, a plasterboard, a gypsum board and a plywood board—on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from an interior finishing varnish were investigated using a dynamic environmental chamber. Four major VOCs, including toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene and o-xylene, were identified in the varnish emissions. The average amount of VOCs emitted from the painted aluminium substrate was approximately 65% more than that from the painted plywood substrate during the 10 h test period. The results indicated that most VOC emissions from the painted aluminium substrate occurred in the early stage through an evaporation-like processes. However, the majority of the VOC from the plywood substrate was emitted in a later stage through a diffusion-like process. The present work confirmed that the type of substrates had a marked influence on the VOC emissions resulting from varnish.