Sampling and GC-MS as a method for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted during oven drying of biomass materials

A method based on a combination of condensation and adsorption in series using gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry for subsequent determination has been developed for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted during oven drying of biomass materials in air at 105 °C. Blank values, linearity, response factors, recovery and extraction efficiency have been studied. The results show recoveries of total amount of volatile matter (moisture and VOC) better than 98% for most materials. The recovery including extraction efficiency for the model substance α-pinene was determined to be 98%, while the corresponding value for the model substance hexanal was less than 60%. A screening investigation of 20 different biomass materials concerning loss of VOC during oven drying have been carried out. The results show significant losses of VOC only for a few materials.