Automotive Interior Testing
Emissions Testing (VOC's)
Emissions testing of automotive interior components assesses the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful substances into the vehicle's cabin. This testing is important for manufacturers to ensure occupant safety, comply with stringent health and environmental regulations, and provide a comfortable driving experience without unpleasant odors. Chemicals of concern include formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and other VOCs that can contribute to poor air quality and health risks.
Common test methods include static chamber testing, where components are placed in sealed chambers to measure the concentration of emitted substances, and dynamic flow methods, which simulate airflow within a vehicle. Analytical techniques such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are often used to identify and quantify emissions. These tests help manufacturers select low-emission materials, ensuring compliance with global standards and enhancing the overall quality of the vehicle's interior environment.
Common Test Methods and Standards
AATCC Test Method 112 Formaldehyde Release: Sealed Jar
GMW 16853 Comprehensive Standard for Overall Emission Testing of Interior Materials and Parts (Fogging, Odor, Emissions, Carbonyls, Amines)
GB/T 42704 Textile Materials for Automotive Interiors – Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
Honda 0094Z-SNA-0000 Determination of the VOC Emission
Honda 0094Z-T0A-0000 VOC Test Methods Specification for Internal Parts
ISO 12219-3 Screening Method for Determination of the Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Vehicle Interior Parts and Materials, Micro-scale Chamber Method
ISO 16000-3 Indoor Air Part 3: Determination of Formaldehyde and Other Carbonyl Compounds in Indoor Air and Test Chamber Air – Active Sampling Method
Nissan NES M0402 VOC Test Method of Cabin Parts
Peugeot/Citroen PSA D10 5517 Odour Test
Peugeot/Citroen PSA D10 5495 Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Peugeot/Citroen PSA D10 5496 Amine Emission
FCA/Stellantis CS-133398 Performance, Vehicle Interior Air Quality Material Requirements
VDA 273-3 Determination of the Total Concentration of Hydrocarbon Compounds in Test Chambers and Vehicle Interiors With a Flame Ionization Detector
VDA 278 Thermal Desorption Analysis of Organic Emissions for the Characterization of Non-Metallic Materials for Automobiles
Volvo STD 429-0002 Determination of Formaldehyde Emission from Components in Vehicle Interiors
Volvo STD 429-0003 Determination of Organic Emissions from Non-Metallic Materials in Vehicle Interiors
Volkswagen PV 3942 Emission Behavior of Parts, Components and Semi-Finished Products for Vehicle Interior
Volkswagen VW 50180 Components in the Passenger Compartment: Emission Behavior
Why is testing necessary for automotive interior components?
Types of Materials Commonly Tested
Seating •Leather (natural and synthetic) •Fabric upholstery •Foam padding •Seat frames and mechanisms •Stitching and thread •Heated/ventilated seal components Dashboard •Plastics (ABS, PVC, polyurethane) •Soft-touch coatings •Plated plastic trim •Displays •Vents and HVAC controls •Adhesive layers and bonding materials Instrument Panel •Cluster displays •Buttons, knobs, and switches •Touchscreen surfaces •Backlighting components •Haptic feedback mechanisms Center Console and Door Panels •Plastic trim and bezels •Leather or synthetic coverings •Cup holders, storage compartments •Electronic components (USB ports, chargers) •Armrest materials and padding Wood, metal, or carbon fiber accents •Window switchgear and buttons •Interior door handles and lock mechanisms Steering Wheel •Leather wrapping or synthetic materials •Metal and plastic structural elements •Control buttons •Heated steering components •Airbag cover materials Flooring and Mats •Carpet fibers •All-weather rubber mats •Sound-dampening materials •Floor insulation layers Roof Liner •Fabric liners •Sunroof or panoramic roof trim •Insulation and soundproofing materials Interior Lighting •LEDs and backlighting modules •Ambient lighting strips •Dome and reading lights