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Vehicle interior-car-interior

Fogging

Determination of the fogging behavior of materials used in vehicle interiors

FOGGING TEST IN THE
AUTOMOBILE INTERIOR

The fogging test is an essential test for materials used in vehicle interiors. It ensures that your components do not release unwanted volatile substances that could deposit on windows or other surfaces. The fogging test is an essential test for determining the outgassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials in the vehicle interior. It ensures that emissions, which can appear as a haze or fogging on cold surfaces such as windscreens, are minimized to ensure driver visibility and safety. These deposits can not only impair visibility, but also reduce the perceived quality and comfort in the vehicle.
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Emission chamber tests

Precise emission measurements for components and parts

Accredited emissions testing

EMISSION CHAMBER TESTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE INTERIOR

Emission tests on material samples, materials and small parts provide valuable information on their emission behavior. They enable a qualitative assessment of the release potential of undesirable substances. In complex parts and components, however, individual materials are often covered or even stuck together. In addition, the non-comparable production conditions ensure that the tests for material qualification are not sufficient for an assessment of the complete components. The use of emission chamber tests is essential for this, as they allow the components to be validated in their entirety. In contrast to material tests (such as VDA 277 and VDA 278), emission chamber tests allow significantly better conclusions to be drawn about possible contributions to air pollution in the complete vehicle and thus aim to validate parts and components .

Under defined test conditions that simulate realistic stress, the VOCs from the components accumulate in the air of the test chamber. Using a flame ionization detector (FID), the concentration of VOCs in the air of the test chamber is determined and recorded directly as a total value during the entire test. Identification and quantitative determination of the VOCs enables samples to be taken from collection media for subsequent analysis in the laboratory. As far as possible, universal adsorbents are used as collection media for the VOC overview analysis (also known as "VOC screening"). Specially selected collection media can be used to analyze specific VOCs that are not adequately captured by the universal media. In addition, our professionally trained test persons evaluate the test room air for odor .

Especially for materials and semi-finished products with larger quantities used per vehicle (e.g. foams, textiles or artificial leather films), the extended analysis options of the chamber tests and the improved sensitivity of the measurement are used to qualify the materials and composite materials.

The use of state-of-the-art test chambers at imat and our high quality standards guarantee you precise and meaningful results. You benefit from our many years of expertise in the field of emission chamber testing through practical recommendations for material selection and optimization of your products. Our aim is to strengthen your innovative power and support you in the development of safe, environmentally friendly and high-quality vehicles that meet your customers' expectations.

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Emission chamber tests

  • ISO 12219-4/-6
  • BMW GS 97014-3
  • GMW 17914-B
  • Hyndai /Kia MS 300-57
  • Renault D49 3027
  • Renaulkt D49 3085
  • Subaru TS420-00-033
  • Volkswagen PV 3942
  • Volvo VCS 1027, 2769
  • and many more.

Fogging test methods

  • DIN 75201-A (reflectrometric)
  • DIN 75201-B (gravimetric)
  • PV 3015 (Volkswagen)
  • GMW 3235-A (General Motors Worldwide)
  • PSA D45 1727
  • and much more.
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  • 01 Purpose of the emission chamber test

Purpose of the emission chamber test

  • Validation of complete components: Emission chamber testing enables precise evaluation of parts and components in their complete form, especially when material testing is not sufficient.
  • Evaluation of emission behavior: The tests provide comprehensive insights into the release of undesirable substances and their influence on indoor air quality.
  • Extended analysis options: Specific collection media and VOC screening can be used to precisely identify and quantify individual substances.
  • Simulation of realistic conditions: Defined test conditions simulate the actual stress on the materials in the vehicle.
  • Practical optimization: The results support material selection and product optimization in order to develop environmentally friendly and high-quality vehicles.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the fogging test

What is the fogging test? The fogging test measures the release of volatile substances from materials that can deposit on surfaces such as windows.
How long does a fogging test take? As a rule, you will receive the results within a few days, depending on the complexity of the materials.
What do I do if the exam is negative? We offer you comprehensive advice and recommendations to take suitable measures and find alternative materials.
What sample quantities are required for a fogging test?

The sample quantities required for a fogging test depend on the standard and the test method used. Here are the general guidelines:

1. standard DIN 75201 (type A and type B)

  • Type A (glass plate method):
    A sample quantity of 10 cm² is typically required. The sample is placed on a heated plate in a sealed chamber and the volatiles released condense on a glass plate above.

  • Type B (aluminum foil method):
    Similar to type A, a sample volume of approximately 10 cm² is used. However, the volatile substances condense on a cooled aluminum foil.

2. standard ISO 6452 (international standard)

  • Sample quantity:
    Again, a sample size of about 10 cm² is typically required to evaluate the amount of volatiles released at elevated temperature.

3. other specific requirements

Depending on the specific requirements of the customer or OEM standards, sample quantities may vary. It is important to check the respective standards or test requirements carefully.

What is the difference between the reflectometric and gravimetric test method according to DIN 75201?

Method A - Reflectometric method:

  • Principle: This method measures the change in reflectivity on a glass plate on which volatile components from the material sample are deposited.
  • Procedure: A material sample is heated in a beaker while a glass plate above it is cooled to 21°C. The temperature difference causes the volatile components to condense on the glass plate. The reflectance index of the fogged glass plate is then measured to determine the amount of condensed material.
  • Application: This method is particularly suitable for materials for which an exact determination of the optical fog effect is required.

Method B - Gravimetric method:

  • Principle: This method measures the weight of condensed volatiles on an aluminum foil.
  • Procedure: The material sample is heated in a beaker while an aluminum foil disc is cooled to 21°C. After 16 hours, the amount of condensed material on the foil is weighed.
  • Application: This method is ideal for an accurate quantitative determination of the amount of condensed volatiles.
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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EMISSION CHAMBER TESTING

Why are emission chamber tests important? Emission chamber tests are crucial for evaluating the emission behavior of complete parts and components. They provide precise data on the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants under realistic conditions. This enables manufacturers to ensure that their materials and components meet regulatory requirements and improve air quality in the vehicle interior.
Which materials and components can be tested in emission chambers? Complete components, materials such as foams, textiles and plastics as well as composite materials can be tested in emission chambers. These tests are particularly relevant for materials used in large quantities per vehicle in order to assess their influence on the air quality in the interior.
How are the emissions recorded in the test chamber?

During the test, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the materials accumulate in the test chamber air. The concentration of VOCs is measured as a total value using a flame ionization detector (FID). In addition, samples are taken for laboratory analysis in order to identify and quantify specific VOCs.

Do you have any further questions? Our experts will be happy to answer your questions about various laboratory tests. Please feel free to contact us here. We look forward to processing your inquiry and helping you further.