The Ability to Control VOC Emissions from Multilayer Building Materials

Abstract

The work aimed to investigate which parameters of the electrically powered radiant floor heating system are connected with the intensity of VOC total emissions and emissions from individual layers, which can be effectively changed and controlled to obtain energy savings in the ventilation process. For this purpose, experimental studies of VOC emissions from specially designed LRFHS samples (Laboratory Radiant Floor Heating System) were carried out, along with simulations of real thermal conditions of samples of layered systems containing separate heaters and various materials layers. The TD-GC-MS chromatography was used to assess the trends of VOCs concentration changes in 480 h in a test chamber (simulating real conditions) for several LRFHS systems of multilayer construction products with built-in individual heating systems, in two stabilised temperatures, 23 °C and 33 °C, two stabilised relative humidities, 50% and 80% and three air exchanges per hour ACH on levels 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5. The obtained results indicate that the models used to determine emissions from single-layer products correspond to the description of emissions from multilayer systems only to a limited extent; some inner layers of floor systems are giving diffusion resistance or intensification of diffusion. A new emission model is proposed. The time-emission concentration curves for dry and wet environments differ significantly; reducing the VOC concentration in the air for the number of exchanges above 1.0 ACH is relatively inefficient. Authors also mapped out new research directions; for example, the experiment showed that not all of the VOC contaminants are ventilated just as easily and perhaps, considering their concentration of resistant impurities, chemical structure and diffusion resistance through the layers, there is a need to determine their weights.

Temperature and indoor environments

“…However, all work also has in common that it has not yet been possible to derive a general, substance and material‐independent model that can replace experimental investigations in the near future. Piasecki et al 389 for example investigated the temperature‐dependent emission behavior of multilayer building materials for floor heating systems with a focus on primers, waterproofing products, and adhesives for wood and ceramic floors. A significant increase in total VOC emissions (often by a factor of 2–3) after the temperature was increased from 23°C to 33°C was observed.…”

“…Similar studies on the temperature-dependent determination of the emission rate of volatile organic compounds have been published for a number of other materials. [383][384][385][386][387][388] 389 for example investigated the temperaturedependent emission behavior of multilayer building materials for floor heating systems with a focus on primers, waterproofing products, and adhesives for wood and ceramic floors. A significant increase in total VOC emissions (often by a factor of 2-3) after the temperature was increased from 23°C to 33°C was observed.…”

Indoor Air Quality in Cob Buildings: In Situ Studies and Artificial Neural Network Modeling

“…The maximum concentration of VOCs is reached several dozen days later, showing a delayed response to the decrease in indoor humidity. Moreover, the higher VOCs concentration persists at an elevated level [28]. Subsequently, after that date, the level of volatile organic compounds fluctuated between approximately 0 and 30 ppb, approaching the range of outdoor values.…”

“…The maximum concentration of VOCs is reached several dozen days later, showing a delayed response to the decrease in indoor humidity. Moreover, the higher VOCs concentration persists at an elevated level [28].…”

“…Apart from product emissions, several other factors, including relative humidity, air exchange rates, and temperature, can influence the levels of VOCs inside buildings [27]. VOCs are a common indoor air pollutant that can have adverse health effects [28], making their control critically important.…”