Analysis of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Dynamic Headspace Sampling on Volatile Organic Compounds of Heat-Treated Poplar at High Temperatures

Thermal modifications tend to darken wood color and enhance dimensional stability, erosion resistance, weather resistance, and product value. To investigate the chemical characteristics of VOCs influenced by the heat treatment process, air-dried poplar wood was heat-treated at four treatment temperatures (160,180, 200, and 220 °C) for 2 h. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was used to investigate the changes in sample hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin composition. Acid-insoluble lignin and holocellulose were determined using wet chemistry methods. Volatile organic compounds of the poplar wood were analyzed for composition using gas chromatographic-mass spectroscopy coupled with dynamic headspace sampling. The results showed that the most significant volatiles in heat-treated poplar were aldehydes, which were the most abundant compound at 180 °C, in the furfural form. The amount of aromatic compounds and esters increased with increasing temperature. In addition, alcohol benzene extractives and acid-insoluble lignin increased, while holocellulose content decreased.