Emission testing for automotive industry
By employing thermal desorption or thermal extraction techniques in material analyses and material optimization, Fraunhofer IBP examines raw materials, semi-finished products and finished parts to determine the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they contain. In SHED (Sealed House Evaporative Determination) testing chambers organic emissions from automotive parts and components are measured. Numerous groups of chemical substances are hereby analysed, including VOCs, BTEX aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, phthalates, amines, nitrosamines and glycol ethers. Tests are carried out according to standards of VDA, ISO and European and Asian car manufacturers as well as in line with the regulations of the California Air Resources Board CARB.
When the sun is shining and temperatures get high in the summer, vehicle interiors get so hot that temperatures on places such as the dashboard can reach as much as 100 degrees Celsius. The result of these high temperatures is that more organic substances outgas from the materials employed in the interior. Such emissions can have a negative impact on the comfort and well-being of the occupants of the car, and can be identified and quantified using a special vehicle test bench with sun simulation.