ASTM D6007 Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air

Scope:

ASTM D6007-14 is useful for testing small samples while reducing the time necessary for testing. This method is important in manufacturing homes and building materials. In addition, monitoring of products for compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation for composite wood products.

Test Procedure:

In ASTM D6007, the formaldehyde concentration in the background is reduced using filters, which shall not exceed 0.02 ppm. The specimens are then placed in the chamber so the air stream can circulate all over the panel’s surface. The chambers are operated at specific temperatures and relative humidity, parameters are recorded during the testing period. The samples in the chamber are analyzed by reading and recording the absorbance from spectrophotometer measurements.

Video 01: HD F801 Formaldehyde Test Chamber

Test Specimen:

The chamber should be operated at a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C (77 ± 2 °F) and 50 ± 4% relative humidity.

The concentration of formaldehyde in the air was calculated as follows:

                   C_s =  C_t 24.47 ⁄  V_s 30.03

Where;

Cs = parts of formaldehyde per million parts air, ppm,

30.03 = molecular weight of formaldehyde, and

24.47 = μL of formaldehyde gas in 1 μmol at 101 kPa and 298 K.

Vs. = air volume at standard conditions (101 kPa and 298 K).

Conclusion:  

ASTM D6007 is a standard test method for determining formaldehyde concentrations in air released by wood under defined temperature and other test conditions.