Yong-Shik Kim

Evaluation of formaldehyde and VOCs emission factors from paints in a small chamber: The effects of preconditioning time and coating weight

The aims of this study were to improve the emission test method for the 20 L small chamber standardized in Korea using paints and to develop an optical test method for paints. The emission factors of the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and formaldehyde from oil-based paints, emulsion paints and water-dispersion paints coated at 300 g/m(2) and cured for 24 (48)h were determined using the 20 L small chamber method. The emission factors of TVOC and formaldehyde from all paints under steady state conditions were determined after 7 days with 24 (48)h of curing. The Korean standards require that paints be measured and analyzed on the third day after a test. However, the emission factors of TVOC and formaldehyde from the paints only began to stabilize 7 days after installing the samples. Until now, the emission test results have been reported mainly as concentration vs. time or emission factor vs. time profiles of TVOC and formaldehyde. The emission factors of the target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehyde types were obtained under specific test conditions according to the different coating weights. For all target volatile organic compounds and aldehyde types examined, the paint coating weight had an effect on emission.

Cycle analysis of an air-cooled LiBr/H2O absorption heat pump of parallel-flow type

Abstract A gas-fired absorption heat pump with cooling capacity of 2 RT was analysed as an air-conditioner for domestic use during the summer. The absorption heat pump considered was an air-cooled, double-effect, LiBr/H2O system of parallel-flow type. The performance of the absorption heat pump in the cooling mode of operation was investigated through cycle simulation to obtain the system characteristics depending on the inlet temperature of air to the absorber, the working solution concentrations, the solution distribution ratio of the mass of solution into the first generator to the total mass of solution from the absorber, and the LTDs (leaving temperature differences) of the heat-exchanging components. When the predicted results were compared with the measured data for similar design conditions, reasonable agreement was observed. The optimum design and operating conditions of an air-cooled absorption system are suggested based on this cycle simulation analysis.

Enhancing the flame-retardant performance of wood-based materials using carbon-based materials

AbstractWe sought to improve the flame-retardant performance of wood-based materials through the development of a coating material using carbon-based materials. The coating materials were applied to the surfaces of wood-based materials used for interior materials and furniture. We measured fire characteristics of the coated wood-based materials using a cone calorimeter. The coating materials were prepared by the mixing of carbon materials, such as natural graphite, expandable graphite, and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets, in water-based coating materials. TG analysis revealed that water-based coating materials/carbon material-blended composites had good thermal durability in the working temperature ranges. The flame-retardant performance was confirmed through cone calorimeter experiments, and the result of the experiment satisfied the standard for flame-retardant performance in ISO 5600-1.

A Study on the Seasonal Effects of Plant Quantity on the Reduction of VOCs and Formaldehyde

Abstract This study aims at examining the reduction of indoor air contaminants by plants placed in an indoor space. The effect of reducing the concentration of air contaminants by three species of plants was studied in a full-scale mock-up model. Field measurements were performed using Aglaonema brevispathum, Pachira aquatica and Ficus benjamiana which were verified as air-purifying plants by NASA. Their positions and amount were controlled. Two conditions for the amount of plants (10%, 5%) and positions (sun-shine, scatter) were used in two separate rooms whose dimensions are identical. The concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) was monitored three hours, and three days after the plants were put in place. The variations of concentration of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene, Stylene, TVOC and Formaldehyde, which are all known as the major elements of Volatile Organic Compounds were monitored. The more plants were used, the more a reduction of indoor air contaminants occurred. The effect of reducing the concentration of air contaminants increased when the amount of plants increased.