In order to explore the emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and different VOC components in airtight environments, polyvinyl chloride laminated plywood (PVC-P), melamine-impregnated paper laminated plywood (MI-P), water-based paint laminated plywood (WP-P) and unfinished plywood (UF-P) were tested as materials in 15 L small environment cabins. VOCs were collected after being sealed for 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h and 30 h under different loading ratios (1 m2/m3, 1.5 m2/m3, 2 m2/m3, 2.5 m2/m3) and analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer. The results show that VOCs gradually increased and tended to be saturated with the increase of time in an airtight environment. The saturation of veneered plywood was faster than unfinished plywood and the pollution degree of three kinds of veneered plywood from lowest to highest was in order of PVC-P, MI-P, WP-P. Aromatic hydrocarbons account for more than half of VOC concentration, and was most obviously affected by the loading ratios. Surfaced laminated plywood can reduce the emission of aromatic hydrocarbons, but also increases the amount of other compounds released. The concentration of VOC-components shows different characteristic curves at different loading ratios due to the influence of decorative materials.
Wood products made from Manchurian ash are widely used as furniture and decorations, particularly waterborne-coated Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.). However, while waterborne coatings offer less air pollution, their odor emission dynamics under different environmental conditions remain poorly understood. To address these gaps, this study systematically analyzed 28-day volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs) release profiles under controlled temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate-to-loading factor ratios (AER/Ls), using thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry (TD-GC-MS/O). Eighteen key odor-active compounds (OACs) were identified, comprising 11 wood-derived and seven coating components, exhibiting eight odor attributes: disinfectant-like, aromatic, tobacco-like, unpleasant, vinegar-like, flowery, sweety, and alcohol-like. The dominant attributes were disinfectant-like and aromatic. The results showed that temperature accelerated release rates and shortened equilibrium time, while increasing concentrations and odor intensity. Relative humidity prolonged equilibrium, with stage-dependent concentration effects, yet consistent odor intensity rise. Higher AER/L reduced equilibrium time and concentrations through dilution-dominated dynamics despite accelerated release rates from increased pressure differentials. These findings indicated that synergistic high-temperature (40 °C)/high-humidity (60% RH) conditions accelerate odorant emission, while optimized ventilation (AER/L 0.5 m3·m−2·h−1) ensures effective mitigation. The findings will inform strategies to reduce odor impact and advance eco-efficient finishing technologies for wood products.