Development of Formaldehyde-shielding Chitosan-gel Sheet

Abstract

Sick-building syndrome occurs when indoor air is polluted with harmful volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde which are contained in furniture or new building materials. In this study, formaldehyde-shielding chitosangel sheet was developed and its performance was evaluated. Chitosan and agar were dissolved in acetic acid solution. The optimal concentrations of chitosan, acetic acid and agar were 3, 3, and 2.5 %(w/w). Formaldehyde was spreaded on gypsum board and then wall paper was attached on it by using glue. When chitosan-gel sheet was attached on this control board, the amount of formaldehyde released from the board was decreased by 63% than in control board. On the other hand, decrease in formaldehyde releasing was only 32% when liquid solution of chitosan was spreaded on the control board. This result clearly indicates that chitosan-gel sheet removes formaldehyde more effectively than liqud solution of chitosan. Furthermore, this type of sheet is more applicable to new building than spraying type.