ISO 12460-3

Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 3: Gas analysis method

This document specifies a procedure for determination of accelerated formaldehyde release from uncoated and coated wood-based panels using the gas analysis method. The procedure is also suitable for the testing of other materials (e.g. edge bands, floor coverings, foams, foils, laminated wood products, veneered wood products, coated wood products).

Panneaux à base de bois — Détermination du dégagement de formaldéhyde — Partie 3: Méthode d'analyse de gaz

La présent document spécifie une procédure pour la détermination du dégagement accéléré de formaldéhyde sur des panneaux à base de bois revêtus et non revêtus, selon la méthode d'analyse de gaz. La procédure est aussi adaptée aux essais d'autres matériaux (par exemple bandes de chant, revêtements de sol, mousses, feuilles de papier décor, produits en bois mélaminés, produits avec placages en bois, produits en bois revêtus).

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 79.060.01 - Wood-based panels in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 89 - Wood-based panels
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 89 - Wood-based panels
• Current Stage: 6000 - International Standard under publication
• Completion Date: 18-Aug-2023

Relations

• Revises: ISO 12460-3:2020 - Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 3: Gas analysis method
• Effective Date: 08-Mar-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E) Formatted: French (Switzerland)
ISO TC 89/SC /WG 5 Formatted: French (Switzerland)
Date: 2023-03-09xx
Secretariat: DIN
Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 3: Gas
analysis method
Panneaux à base de bois — Détermination du dégagement de formaldéhyde — Partie 3:
Méthode d'analyse de gaz

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
© ISO 2023
Commented [eXtyles1]: The reference is to a withdrawn
standard which has been replaced

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation,
ISO 20344, Personal protective equipment — Test methods
no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means,
for footwear
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet,
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Contents
Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents . 1
6 Apparatus . 2
6.1 Main composites of test apparatus (see Figure 1) . 2
6.2 Laboratory equipment . 3
7 Sampling and preparation of test pieces . 4
7.1 Preparation of test pieces . 4
7.2 Selection of test pieces for factory production control . 4
7.3 Selection of test pieces for other purposes . 5
7.4 Preparation of test pieces in case of dispute . 5
8 Procedure . 5
8.1 Number of determinations . 5
8.2 Determination of moisture content . 5
8.3 Determination of formaldehyde release . 5
8.3.1 General . 5
8.3.2 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 1 . 7
8.3.3 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 2 . 7
8.3.4 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 3 . 7
8.3.5 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 4 . 7
8.4 Determination of formaldehyde content of the absorber solutions . 7
8.4.1 General . 7
8.4.2 Principle . 7
8.4.3 Analytical procedure . 7
8.4.4 Calibration curve . 8
9 Expression of results . 9
9.1 Gas analysis value . 9
9.2 Calculation of results . 9
9.2.1 Calculation of results of test pieces . 9
9.2.2 Calculation of emission report value . 10
9.3 Moisture content . 10
10 Test report . 10
Bibliography . 12
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national
standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally
carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a
technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee.
International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in
the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all
matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 89, Wood based panels, in collaboration
with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 112, Wood
based panels, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna
Agreement).
This thirdfourth edition cancels and replaces the secondthird edition (ISO 12460-3:2020), which has
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
been technically revised in order to include laser spectroscopy as a further analytical procedure.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Taking into account ISO 12460-3:2020/DAM 1:2022 theThe main changes compared to the previous
edition are as follows:
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Commented [eXtyles2]: Invalid reference: "ISO 12460-
— laser spectroscopy introduced as a further analytical procedure;
3:2020/DAM 1:2022"
— ready to use formaldehyde standards considered in 8.4.4.3.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
A list of all parts in the ISO 12460 series can be found on the ISO website.
Commented [eXtyles3]: Invalid reference: "ISO 12460
series"
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
iv © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)

Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release —
Part 3: Gas analysis method
1 Scope
This document specifies a procedure for determination of accelerated formaldehyde release from
uncoated and coated wood-based panels using the gas analysis method. The procedure is also suitable
for the testing of other materials (e.g. edge bands, floor coverings, foams, foils, laminated wood
products, veneered wood products, coated wood products).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 16979, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture content
ISO 16999, Wood-based panels — Sampling and cutting of test pieces
ISO 16979, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture content
ISO 16999, Wood-based panels — Sampling and cutting of test pieces
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obphttps://www.iso.org/obp
Commented [eXtyles4]: URL Validation failed:
https://www.iso.org/obp returns an unknown connection
failure. (connection error "Error 12031:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
ERROR_INTERNET_CONNECTION_RESET").
Formatted: English (United States)
4 Principle
Formatted: Adjust space between Latin and Asian text,
Adjust space between Asian text and numbers, Tab
A test piece of known surface area is placed in a closed chamber in which the temperature, humidity,
stops: Not at 19.85 pt + 39.7 pt + 59.55 pt + 79.4 pt
airflow, and pressure are controlled to defined values. Formaldehyde released from the test pieces
+ 99.25 pt + 119.05 pt + 138.9 pt + 158.75 pt +
mixes with the air in the chamber. This air is continually drawn from the chamber and passes through 178.6 pt + 198.45 pt
gas wash bottles, containing water, which absorbs the released formaldehyde. At the end of the test, the
Formatted: English (United States)
formaldehyde concentration is determined photometrically or fluorimetrically. The formaldehyde
Formatted: Font: Times New Roman, English (United
release is calculated from this concentration, the sampling time, and the exposed area of the test pieces
States)
2 2·
and is expressed in milligrams per square meter and hour (mg/m hm h).
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
5 Reagents
Reagents of recognized analytical purity and distilled or demineralised water (referred throughout the
following text as distilled water) shall be used for the analysis.
5.1 4 ml acetylacetone solution are added to a 1 000 ml volumetric flask and made up to the mark
with distilled water.
5.2 200 g ammonium acetate solution are dissolved with distilled water in a 1 000 ml volumetric
flask and made up to the mark.
Optionally, a premixed reagent of acetylacetone and ammonium acetate as described in ISO 12460-4
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
can be used.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
5.3 Formaldehyde solution, commercially available (concentration typically between
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
35 % mass fraction to 40 % mass fraction).
5.4 Standard iodine solution, c(l2) = 0,05 mol/l.
5.5 Standard sodium thiosulphate solution, c(Na2S2O3) = 0,1 mol/l.
5.6 Standard sodium hydroxide solution, c(NaOH) = 1 mol/l.
5.7 Standard sulphuric acid solution, c(H2SO4) = 1 mol/l.
5.8 Starch solution, 1 % mass fraction.
6 Apparatus
6.1 Main composites of test apparatus (see Figure 1)).
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
6.1.1 Dust or particle filter.
6.1.2 Formaldehyde filter (bottle filled with water, silicagel or other formaldehyde absorber).
6.1.3 Desiccator, 500 ml, containing silica gel.
6.1.4 Air pump.
6.1.5 Needle valve.
6.1.6 Equipment for measuring rate of air flow through apparatus.
NOTE Needle valve and equipment for measuring rate of air flow can be replaced by a mass flow controller.
6.1.7 Test chamber (diameter: 90 mm to 100 mm with a length which gives an internal volume of
(4 000 ± 200) ml with double casing of stainless steel or glass.
6.1.8 Heating equipment for air (e.g. copper coil inside the double casing).
6.1.9 Thermostat.
6.1.10 Magnetic valves.
6.1.11 Pairs of gas wash bottles, 100 ml or optionally, pairs of gas wash bottles, 30 ml.
2 © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
6.1.12 Pressure monitor.
6.1.13 Temperature monitor.
6.1.14 Test piece holder, constructed as a shelf with three rods made from stainless steel or another
inert material.
NOTE The test apparatus described in Figure 1 is based on a waterborne heating system. A test apparatus with
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
an electrical heating system can be used optionally.
12460-3_ed4fig1.EPS

Key
1 dust or particle filter 13 outlet of test air
2 formaldehyde filter 14 heating medium (inlet)
3 desiccator 15 insulation
4 air pump 16 test chamber door
5 needle valve 17 double casing
6 equipment for measurement of air flow 18 inlet for air (heating coil)
7 test chamber 19 magnetic valve for purging
8 heating coil 20 connection tube
9 thermostat 21 pairs of wash bottles
10 magnetic valves 22 pressure monitor
11 inlet of air (test chamber) 23 temperature monitor
12 heating medium (outlet) 24 test piece holder
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Figure 1 — Gas analysis test apparatus
6.2 Laboratory equipment
6.2.1 Ventilated oven, as described in ISO 16979 for determination of moisture content (if
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
requested).
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
6.2.2 Spectrophotometer, with cells of 50 mm optical path length and capable of measuring
absorbance at 412 nm.
6.2.3 Water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature of (60 ± 1) °C.
6.2.4 Water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 25 °C.
6.2.5 Six volumetric flasks, 100 ml (calibrated at 20 °C).
6.2.6 Four volumetric flasks, 250 ml or optionally, four volumetric flasks, 100 ml (calibrated at
20 °C).
6.2.7 Two volumetric flasks, 1 000 ml (calibrated at 20 °C).
6.2.8 Volumetric pipettes (calibrated at 20 °C), 1 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml,
50 ml, 100 ml.
6.2.9 Six flasks, 50 ml (with stoppers).
6.2.10 Microburette.
6.2.11 Burette, 50 ml, graduated (calibrated at 20 °C).
6.2.12 Balance, capable of measuring to 0,00 1 g.
7 Sampling and preparation of test pieces
7.1 Preparation of test pieces
Three test pieces, each with the dimensions of (400 ± 1) mm × (50 ± 1) mm × board thickness, shall be
2
prepared for the determination of formaldehyde release giving a total emitting surface area of 0,04 m .
If the sample available does not allow the preparation of test pieces of the specified dimension, then the
2
combined emitting surface area of the test pieces(s) should be as close as possible to 0,04 m .
For testing layer glued materials (e.g. plywood, veneered particleboard), specimens shall be cut from
the respective panel with the fibre direction of the faces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
specimen.
Each test piece has to be hermetically wrapped immediately after cutting and stored at ambient
temperature.
Before testing, each test piece shall be stored hermetically wrapped at least one day at ambient
temperature in order to improve the repeatability. For factory production control with hot test pieces, a
valid correlation has to be established.
Test pieces shall be representative for the tested boards.
4 © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
For testing, the test pieces shall be edge sealed with temperature resistant (i.e. ≥ 60 °C) self-adhesive
aluminium tape or an alternative sealing method if equivalence has been demonstrated. The emitting
(unsealed) surface area of the sealed test piece has to be measured and calculated in square metres
2
(m ).
For decor finish foils it is recommended to pre-condition the material as follows in order to take into
account inhomogeneity as to improve precision: 7 days at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity.
7.2 Selection of test pieces for factory production control
Sampling and cutting of the test pieces shall be performed in accordance with the principles of
ISO 16999.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Test pieces are taken, uniformly distributed over the width of the (cooled) board, but excluding a Formatted: Pattern: Clear
250 mm wide strip from the end of each board.
The formaldehyde determination should be carried out not more than 72 h after sampling.
7.3 Selection of test pieces for other purposes
The procedure of sampling, preparation of the test pieces, and conditioning (e.g. from boards already
installed) shall be noted and described in the test report. The number and dimensions of the test pieces
shall be as given in 7.1.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
7.4 Preparation of test pieces in case of dispute
If this method is used in case of dispute, e.g. linked to disagreement about compliance and not
otherwise agreed upon, the conditioning of the test pieces shall be carried out according to the
following reference conditions.
The test pieces shall be conditioned to constant mass at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and a relative
humidity of (65 ± 5) %.
Constant mass is considered to have been reached when the results of two successive weighings,
carried out at intervals of not less than 24 h, do not differ by more than 0,1 % of the mass of the test
pieces. Alternative two weeks of conditioning can be used.
Contamination of test pieces from other sources of formaldehyde during conditioning shall be avoided.
8 Procedure
8.1 Number of determinations
Determination shall always be made in duplicate using two different test pieces prepared according to
7.1. A third determination shall be carried out
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
2
— if the average emission value of the two determinations is > 1,0 mg/m h and the two replicates
deviate more than 20 % of the average value, or
2
— if the average emission value of the determinations is ≤ 1,0 mg/m h and the two replicates deviate
2
more than 0,2 mg/m h from the average value.
For factory production control, a single determination can be sufficient.
8.2 Determination of moisture content
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Moisture content shall be determined in accordance with ISO 16979 using a separate sample (see 7.1).
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved 5

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
8.3 Determination of formaldehyde release
8.3.1 General
The determination of formaldehyde release can be done by using different procedures, which are
described as standard procedure (see 8.3.2), to improve the sensitivity (see 8.3.3 and 8.3.4) and to
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
simplify the procedure (see 8.3.5).
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Seal the edges of the test pieces in accordance with 7.1.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Close chamber (6.1.7) and preheat it to (60 ± 0,5) °C.
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
For each test hour connect a pair of wash bottles (see 6.1.11), each bottle containing between 8 ml to
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
40 ml absorber solution, in series to the outlet of each magnetic valve (see 6.1.10) using
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 12460-3
ISO/TC 89
Wood-based panels — Determination
Secretariat: DIN
of formaldehyde release —
Voting begins on:
2023-04-12
Part 3:
Voting terminates on:
Gas analysis method
2023-07-05
Panneaux à base de bois — Détermination du dégagement de
formaldéhyde —
Partie 3: Méthode d'analyse de gaz
IMPORTANT — Please use this updated version dated 2023-03-30, and
discard any previous version of this FDIS. Closing date has been
modified to 2023-07-05.
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 12460-3
ISO/TC 89
Wood-based panels — Determination
Secretariat: DIN
of formaldehyde release —
Voting begins on:
Part 3:
Voting terminates on:
Gas analysis method
Panneaux à base de bois — Détermination du dégagement de
formaldéhyde —
Partie 3: Méthode d'analyse de gaz
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2023
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
ISO copyright office
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
DOCUMENTATION.
Phone: [phone]
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
Email: [e-mail]
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Website: www.iso.org
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
Published in Switzerland
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
ii
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents . 1
6 Apparatus . 2
7 Sampling and preparation of test pieces . 4
7.1 Preparation of test pieces . 4
7.2 Selection of test pieces for factory production control . 5
7.3 Selection of test pieces for other purposes . 5
7.4 Preparation of test pieces in case of dispute . 5
8 Procedure .5
8.1 Number of determinations . 5
8.2 Determination of moisture content . 5
8.3 Determination of formaldehyde release . 5
8.3.1 General . 5
8.3.2 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 1 . 7
8.3.3 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 2 . 7
8.3.4 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 3 . 7
8.3.5 Determination of formaldehyde release — Option 4 . 7
8.4 Determination of formaldehyde content of the absorber solutions . 8
8.4.1 General . 8
8.4.2 Principle . 8
8.4.3 Analytical procedure . 8
8.4.4 Calibration curve. 8
9 Expression of results .10
9.1 Gas analysis value . 10
9.2 Calculation of results . 10
9.2.1 Calculation of results of test pieces . 10
9.2.2 Calculation of emission report value . 11
9.3 Moisture content . 11
10 Test report .11
Bibliography .13
iii
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 89, Wood based panels, in collaboration
with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 112, Wood
based panels, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna
Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 12460-3:2020), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— laser spectroscopy introduced as a further analytical procedure;
— ready to use formaldehyde standards considered in 8.4.4.3.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12460 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde
release —
Part 3:
Gas analysis method
1 Scope
This document specifies a procedure for determination of accelerated formaldehyde release from
uncoated and coated wood-based panels using the gas analysis method. The procedure is also suitable
for the testing of other materials (e.g. edge bands, floor coverings, foams, foils, laminated wood
products, veneered wood products, coated wood products).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 16979, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture content
ISO 16999, Wood-based panels — Sampling and cutting of test pieces
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Principle
A test piece of known surface area is placed in a closed chamber in which the temperature, humidity,
airflow, and pressure are controlled to defined values. Formaldehyde released from the test pieces
mixes with the air in the chamber. This air is continually drawn from the chamber and passes through
gas wash bottles, containing water, which absorbs the released formaldehyde. At the end of the test,
the formaldehyde concentration is determined photometrically or fluorimetrically. The formaldehyde
release is calculated from this concentration, the sampling time, and the exposed area of the test pieces
2·
and is expressed in milligrams per square meter and hour (mg/m h).
5 Reagents
Reagents of recognized analytical purity and distilled or demineralised water (referred throughout the
following text as distilled water) shall be used for the analysis.
5.1 4 ml acetylacetone solution are added to a 1 000 ml volumetric flask and made up to the mark
with distilled water.
1
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
5.2 200 g ammonium acetate solution are dissolved with distilled water in a 1 000 ml volumetric
flask and made up to the mark.
Optionally, a premixed reagent of acetylacetone and ammonium acetate as described in ISO 12460-4
can be used.
5.3 Formaldehyde solution, commercially available (concentration typically between
35 % mass fraction to 40 % mass fraction).
5.4 Standard iodine solution, c(l ) = 0,05 mol/l.
2
5.5 Standard sodium thiosulphate solution, c(Na S O ) = 0,1 mol/l.
2 2 3
5.6 Standard sodium hydroxide solution, c(NaOH) = 1 mol/l.
5.7 Standard sulphuric acid solution, c(H SO ) = 1 mol/l.
2 4
5.8 Starch solution, 1 % mass fraction.
6 Apparatus
6.1 Main composites of test apparatus (see Figure 1).
6.1.1 Dust or particle filter.
6.1.2 Formaldehyde filter (bottle filled with water, silicagel or other formaldehyde absorber).
6.1.3 Desiccator, 500 ml, containing silica gel.
6.1.4 Air pump.
6.1.5 Needle valve.
6.1.6 Equipment for measuring rate of air flow through apparatus.
NOTE Needle valve and equipment for measuring rate of air flow can be replaced by a mass flow controller.
6.1.7 Test chamber (diameter: 90 mm to 100 mm with a length which gives an internal volume of
(4 000 ± 200) ml with double casing of stainless steel or glass.
6.1.8 Heating equipment for air (e.g. copper coil inside the double casing).
6.1.9 Thermostat.
6.1.10 Magnetic valves.
6.1.11 Pairs of gas wash bottles, 100 ml or optionally, pairs of gas wash bottles, 30 ml.
6.1.12 Pressure monitor.
6.1.13 Temperature monitor.
2
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
6.1.14 Test piece holder, constructed as a shelf with three rods made from stainless steel or another
inert material.
NOTE The test apparatus described in Figure 1 is based on a waterborne heating system. A test apparatus
with an electrical heating system can be used optionally.
Key
1 dust or particle filter 13 outlet of test air
2 formaldehyde filter 14 heating medium (inlet)
3 desiccator 15 insulation
4 air pump 16 test chamber door
5 needle valve 17 double casing
6 equipment for measurement of air flow 18 inlet for air (heating coil)
7 test chamber 19 magnetic valve for purging
8 heating coil 20 connection tube
9 thermostat 21 pairs of wash bottles
10 magnetic valves 22 pressure monitor
11 inlet of air (test chamber) 23 temperature monitor
12 heating medium (outlet) 24 test piece holder
Figure 1 — Gas analysis test apparatus
6.2 Laboratory equipment
6.2.1 Ventilated oven, as described in ISO 16979 for determination of moisture content (if requested).
3
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
6.2.2 Spectrophotometer, with cells of 50 mm optical path length and capable of measuring
absorbance at 412 nm.
6.2.3 Water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature of (60 ± 1) °C.
6.2.4 Water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 25 °C.
6.2.5 Six volumetric flasks, 100 ml (calibrated at 20 °C).
6.2.6 Four volumetric flasks, 250 ml or optionally, four volumetric flasks, 100 ml (calibrated at
20 °C).
6.2.7 Two volumetric flasks, 1 000 ml (calibrated at 20 °C).
6.2.8 Volumetric pipettes (calibrated at 20 °C), 1 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml,
50 ml, 100 ml.
6.2.9 Six flasks, 50 ml (with stoppers).
6.2.10 Microburette.
6.2.11 Burette, 50 ml, graduated (calibrated at 20 °C).
6.2.12 Balance, capable of measuring to 0,00 1 g.
7 Sampling and preparation of test pieces
7.1 Preparation of test pieces
Three test pieces, each with the dimensions of (400 ± 1) mm × (50 ± 1) mm × board thickness, shall be
2
prepared for the determination of formaldehyde release giving a total emitting surface area of 0,04 m .
If the sample available does not allow the preparation of test pieces of the specified dimension, then the
2
combined emitting surface area of the test pieces(s) should be as close as possible to 0,04 m .
For testing layer glued materials (e.g. plywood, veneered particleboard), specimens shall be cut from
the respective panel with the fibre direction of the faces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
specimen.
Each test piece has to be hermetically wrapped immediately after cutting and stored at ambient
temperature.
Before testing, each test piece shall be stored hermetically wrapped at least one day at ambient
temperature in order to improve the repeatability. For factory production control with hot test pieces, a
valid correlation has to be established.
Test pieces shall be representative for the tested boards.
For testing, the test pieces shall be edge sealed with temperature resistant (i.e. ≥60 °C) self-adhesive
aluminium tape or an alternative sealing method if equivalence has been demonstrated. The emitting
(unsealed) surface area of the sealed test piece has to be measured and calculated in square metres
2
(m ).
For decor finish foils it is recommended to pre-condition the material as follows in order to take into
account inhomogeneity as to improve precision: 7 days at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity.
4
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 12460-3:2023(E)
7.2 Selection of test pieces for factory production control
Sampling and cutting of the test pieces shall be performed in accordance with the principles of
ISO 16999.
Test pieces are taken, uniformly distributed over the width of the (cooled) board, but excluding a
250 mm wide strip from the end of each board.
The formaldehyde determination should be carried out not more than 72 h after sampling.
7.3 Selection of test pieces for other purposes
The procedure of sampling, preparation of the test pieces, and conditioning (e.g. from board
...