Burning 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 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.

Safety-relevant, statutory and accredited testing of materials for vehicle interiors

DETERMINATION OF THE BURNING BEHAVIOR

Determining the burning behavior of materials in vehicle interiors is a central component of safety requirements in the automotive industry. All materials that are used in or limit the passenger compartment must comply with legal requirements and OEM standards. The burning rate is measured under standardized conditions to ensure that materials meet the requirements.

In addition to testing finished components and materials, imat also offers the option of having sample plates made from granulate and testing them if the sample sizes for small parts are not sufficient. With these comprehensive services, imat supports automotive manufacturers and suppliers in validating their materials according to the required standards.

Typical materials and components that are tested

Plastics: door panels, instrument panels, console panels, cable sheathing, etc.
Textiles and foams: seat covers, headliners, acoustic foams, upholstery, etc.
Leather and artificial leather for seats and trim.
Examples of other components/composite materials: sun visors, headliners, parcel shelves, floor mats, cable ducts, etc.

Typical test procedure

Selection of test methods: In consultation with you, we select the appropriate test methods based on the specific requirements.
Sample preparation: The samples are prepared in accordance with the standards.
Typical sample sizes are, for example, in accordance with FMVSS 302/DIN 75200: 356 mm x 100 mm x material thickness ≤ 13 mm
Performance of the test: The samples are exposed to standard-compliant conditions to document their burning behavior and burning rate.
Test report: After completion of the tests, you will receive a report with valid test results.

Firing
test methods

FMVSS 302 / US 571.302 (TP 302-03) 49 CFR 571 302 (USA) (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard)
DIN 75200
VSTD 19-1 (191) - § 19-1.5 horizontal test (Taiwan)
DBL 5307 (Mercedes-Benz previously Daimler)
TL 1010 (Volkswagen)
GS 97038 (BMW)
PTL 8501 / VW 96243 (Porsche)
GB 8410 (China)
D45 1333 (PSA / Stellantis)
VCS 5031,19 (Volvo)
GMW 3232 (GM, General Motors)
ISO 3795
and much more.

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CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

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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.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FOGGING TEST

Which materials and components are tested for burning tests? Interior materials such as plastics (e.g. trim), textiles (e.g. seat covers), leather and foams (e.g. upholstery) are typically tested. Composite materials and components that delimit the passenger compartment are also tested.

Is imat-uve approved for burning tests according to "Taiwan VSTD 19-1"? Yes, imat-uve is officially approved by the Vehicle Safety Certification Center (VSCC) in Taiwan to carry out combustion tests in accordance with VSTD 19-1. The approval was granted again after a strict audit process and confirms our expertise as one of the few European test laboratories to have received this approval.

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Can the toxicity of the resulting fumes also be assessed during combustion tests?

Yes, in addition to flammability, materials can also be tested for the toxicity of the resulting fumes. This is often done in a smoke density chamber using FTIR spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). This method is used to analyze the chemical composition of the smoke gases in order to identify potentially hazardous substances. This helps to evaluate materials not only in terms of their flammability, but also with regard to the safety of the occupants.

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

Burning tests

DETERMINATION OF THE BURNING BEHAVIOR