Spanish plastics developer Aimplas says it is now accredited for emissions testing of materials using the 1m3 chamber method, including for emissions from plastic materials used in vehicle interiors.
The emission of compounds in vehicle interiors has a direct effect on occupants’ health and safety, and the automotive industry strictly controls these emissions through highly restrictive standards. Manufacturers must therefore perform a series of tests to ensure that plastic materials in vehicle interiors meet established emission levels.
The laboratories at Aimplas were apparently the first in Spain to obtain ENAC international accreditation for odor emission tests in the interior of vehicles. The number of accredited emissions tests has increased over the years to include testing for total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), formaldehyde and other aldehydes such as ketones; fogging tests; and tests for VOCs in air through thermal desorption.
At a recent audit by ENAC, Aimplas was accredited for the 1m3 chamber method, which is now included with the other emissions tests accredited in accordance with standards PV 3942, VDA 276, ISO 12219-4, GS 97014-3, D49 3085 and VCS 1027, 2769. The new test makes it possible to validate large parts under analysis conditions that are closer to real use while controlling the heating time, temperature, humidity and airflow.
