Microchamber tests

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

MICROCHAMBER TESTS FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR MATERIALS AND COMPOSITES

Micro test chambers are an innovative solution for the precise emission measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes and other pollutants released by automotive materials. These test chambers are specifically designed to analyze smaller material samples of plastics, textiles, leather, foams and films under controlled conditions without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.

The ability to test small samples significantly reduces the amount of testing required while still providing meaningful results. The moderately selected test temperatures compared to other material tests are based on the component chamber tests .

Micro test chambers can play a key role, particularly in the development of new materials and in the selection of low-emission alternatives. Using this method, manufacturers can identify high-emission materials early on in the development process and specifically test lower-emission options. This not only contributes to improving the air quality in the vehicle interior, but also helps to assess compliance with regulatory requirements such as the formaldehyde restriction under REACh. At the same time, it enables the cost-efficient development and testing of new materials without wasting large amounts of resources.

Thanks to their compact size and high precision, micro test chambers are also ideal for continuous quality control of materials. Manufacturers can ensure that each batch of material meets the necessary emission requirements before it goes into production. This allows you to identify and rectify problems at an early stage before they lead to major challenges in series production.

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Purpose of the microchamber test

Determination of characteristic data for materials and composite materials with regard to their VOC emissions and, if applicable, selected individual substances such as formaldehyde or similar.

Determination of emission rates of the volatile substances released

Identifying critical substances in the emissions of vehicle interior materials

Test procedure

Bulk Mode

Preparation of one or more geometric test specimens for the test

Preconditioning the microchamber to the test conditions (temperature, carrier gas flow, etc. )

Loading the cylindrical chamber with the test specimen

Equilibrating the sample to the test conditions over a defined period of time

Guide the outgoing exhaust air flow for sampling via suitable collection media

Thermally desorb the VOCs from the screening collection media or elute specific target substances from corresponding adsorbents using solvents.

Chromatographic separation of the VOC substance mixture with subsequent detection in the measuring system

Evaluating and interpreting the measurement results

Comparison of the measurement results with the applicable target and limit values

Surface Mode

Preparing a flat test specimen with the diameter of the microchamber for testing

Equipping the microchamber with a clamping device for surface tests

Preconditioning the microchamber to the test conditions (temperature, carrier gas flow, etc. )

Loading the microchamber with the test specimen directly under the chamber lid to test only the surface emissions

Equilibrate the sample to the test conditions over a defined period of time

Guide the outgoing exhaust air flow for sampling via suitable collection media

Thermally desorb the VOCs from the screening collection media or elute specific target substances from appropriate adsorbents using solvents.

Chromatographic separation of the VOC substance mixture with subsequent detection in the measuring system

Evaluating and interpreting the measurement results

Comparison of the measurement results with the applicable target and limit values

TYPICAL MATERIALS THAT ARE TESTED

Microchamber testing 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 MICROCHAMBER TESTING

What are micro test chambers and what are they used for? Micro test chambers are small test chambers used to measure emissions from small material samples. They offer precise analysis of released VOCs and aldehydes and are ideal for material testing in the automotive industry.

What advantages do micro test chambers offer over conventional test chambers? Micro test chambers enable faster and more cost-effective emission testing as they require smaller samples. They are ideal for the development and quality control of materials while still providing precise and reliable results.

Which materials can be tested with micro test chambers?

Micro test chambers are suitable for a wide range of materials such as plastics, textiles, leather, foams and composites used in vehicle interiors.

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

MICROCHAMBER TEST

Determination of emission rates as a material characteristic value

FOGGING TEST IN THE
AUTOMOBILE INTERIOR

Typical test methods

MICROCHAMBER TESTS FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR MATERIALS AND COMPOSITES

Similar -
Test methods

Fogging test methods

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