This standard details the 'perforator method' for determining the formaldehyde content in particle boards. The method involves extracting formaldehyde from board samples using boiling toluene, where the formaldehyde is absorbed into water and subsequently quantified through titrimetric analysis.
Method for determination of formaldehyde content in particle board by extraction method called perforator method
Quick Reference Values
Volume of toluene for extraction1000 ml
Mass of conditioned test piecesApprox. 110 g
Extraction time120 ± 1 min
Concentration of standard iodine solution0.1 N
Concentration of sodium thiosulphate solution0.1 N
Temperature of water in condenser outlet< 30 °C
Key Formulas
H = [(V1 - V2) * N * 15.01] / G — Formaldehyde content (mg/100g), where V1 is titration for blank, V2 for sample, N is normality of thiosulphate, G is mass of dry sample.
Practical Notes
The test result is a key indicator for assessing potential indoor air quality issues from wood-based panels, often required for green building certifications.
Accurate conditioning of test pieces to a specific moisture content before testing is critical for repeatable results.
This method measures the total extractable formaldehyde, not the emission rate. Other methods like the gas chamber method (IS 14833) are used for emission testing.