Formaldehyde

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 fog or mist 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.

Accredited emission analysis

FOGGING TEST IN THE CAR INTERIOR

The fogging test is carried out to determine the risk of condensation of vaporized volatile components from materials such as plastics, textiles or leather. These components can condense on surfaces such as the windshield and appear there as a film or cloudy layer.

Fogging, i.e. the misting up of windows by such substances, can impair visibility through the windscreen, particularly in unfavorable light conditions, and thus endanger the driver's safety. This effect is caused by the evaporation of plasticizers, adhesives or solvents used in vehicle equipment.

Purpose of the fogging test

Evaluation of the release of medium to low volatile substances from interior materials
Controlling emissions that can settle as fog or haze on colder surfaces such as windscreens
Ensuring visibility and safety for drivers by preventing fogging on windows

Test procedure

Reflectometric method

A material sample is placed in a beaker.
The beaker is covered with a glass plate.
The sample is heated to 100°C for 3 hours.
The glass plate is simultaneously cooled to 21°C.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) condense on the glass plate.
The reflectance index of the fogged plate is measured.

Gravimetric method

The sample is placed in a beaker.
The beaker is covered with a sheet of aluminum foil.
The material is heated to 100°C for 16 hours.
The aluminum disk is kept cooled to 21°C.
Released VOCs condense on the cooling disk.
The amount of condensed material is weighed after 16 hours

Test methods

Reflectometric method: Measures the change in the reflectance index of a glass plate before and after the test
Gravimetric method: Determines the increase in weight of an aluminum foil due to condensed substances
Hase method: Evaluates the turbidity of a glass plate

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TYPICAL MATERIALS THAT ARE TESTED

The fogging test in automotive testing examines various materials that are used in vehicle interiors. The most important materials that are subjected to this test are

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Plastics

Various types of plastics, for dashboards, consoles and other interior components

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Leather

Especially for seat covers and steering wheel covers

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Textiles

Fabrics used for seat covers, headliners and other interior trims

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Synthetic leather

As an alternative to genuine leather for various interior components

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Elastomers

Rubber-like materials that are used in various vehicle parts

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Adhesives

Used to connect various components in the vehicle interior

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Coatings

Various surface inspections for interior parts

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Foams

Especially for upholstery and insulation

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Composite materials

Combinations of different materials used in the vehicle interior

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Biomaterials

Newer, environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics

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 form deposits 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 appropriate 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.

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 form deposits 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 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, here the volatile substances condense on a cooled aluminum foil.

2. standard ISO 6452 (international standard)

Sample quantity:
Here too, a sample size of around 10 cm² is typically required to evaluate the amount of volatile substances released at elevated temperatures.

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.

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.

Fogging

FOGGING TEST IN THE
AUTOMOBILE INTERIOR

Typical test methods

Formaldehyde