Abstract
As the main material in indoor furniture, southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment during use. To better understand variations in the contents of VOCs in southern yellow pine before and after heat treatment, this study conducts dry heat treatment on southern yellow pine at 140 °C and 220 °C. Headspace solid phase micro-extraction was used to extract VOCs from southern yellow pine. The VOCs of southern yellow pine before and after heat treatment were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and chemical component differences were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results reveal 86 VOCs in pure southern yellow pine, including alcohols, aromatics, acids, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, and some trace compounds (e.g., furans, ketones, phenols, and esters). With an increase in heat-treatment temperature, the contents of alkanes increased, whereas those of alcohols and alkenes decreased. The contents of aromatics, acids, and aldehydes were highest when heat treated at 140 °C. At 220 °C, the total contents of key VOCs in southern yellow pine were lowest.
Highlights
Southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) is a type of softwood with a beautiful natural texture and appearance
Because of its excellent structural performance, southern yellow pine is widely used in structural construction under various conditions, such as outdoor landscape facilities, flooring materials, and in children’s beds
Most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in natural wood are harmless to humans, but excessive VOCs can cause irritation to the human body due to odor [2]
Summary
Southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) is a type of softwood with a beautiful natural texture and appearance. It has relatively high strength among softwood species. Because of its excellent structural performance, southern yellow pine is widely used in structural construction under various conditions, such as outdoor landscape facilities, flooring materials, and in children’s beds. Due to the high content of pine oil and extract in southern yellow pine, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. Such VOCs include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, terpenes, amines, and other substances [1]. Most VOCs in natural wood are harmless to humans, but excessive VOCs can cause irritation to the human body due to odor [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
