Thermo Fisher Scientific/Markes International Solutions for Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) Analysis

Significance of the Topic

Ensuring clean air inside vehicles is vital for passenger health and comfort. Materials such as plastics, leather, foams and adhesives can emit volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds that pose health risks and trigger odors. Regulatory bodies worldwide require standardized screening of new vehicle interiors and components to control these emissions and promote development of low-emitting alternatives.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work outlines a unified workflow for vehicle interior air quality analysis. It aims to demonstrate how combined thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography methods enable comprehensive quantitation of VOCs and SVOCs. Global regulatory compliance and streamlined data management are central goals.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

A range of sampling approaches including whole vehicle environmental chambers, small chambers, sampling bags, microchambers and direct desorption are supported. Thermal desorption–GC–MS delivers sensitivity from sub-ppt to percent levels across C3 to C44, including labile compounds. High-pressure liquid chromatography with DNPH derivatization covers aldehyde analysis. Chromatography data system software integrates sample routing, instrument control and reporting.

• Sampling techniques: environmental chambers, 1 m3 or microchambers, 10 L to 2000 L bags, direct desorption of solids
• Thermal desorbers: UNITY-xr, TD100-xr and ULTRA-xr (100-tube autosampler) with cryogen-free water management via Kori-xr
• GC–MS: TRACE 1310 or equivalent injection with ISQ 7000 single quadrupole mass spectrometer featuring NeverVent vent-free source and Instant Connect modularity
• HPLC: Vanquish Core system with DNPH cartridges and Accucore aQ columns for aldehyde separations
• Software: Chromeleon CDS for unified control and eWorkflows from sample collection to reporting

Main Results and Discussion

The integrated TD-GC-MS platform achieves reliable quantitation of targeted and non-targeted compounds while accommodating diverse sampling vessels. Effective water removal without cryogen support preserves analytes and reduces downtime. Through automation, laboratories can process up to 100 samples unattended, enhancing throughput and reproducibility. Data integrity is maintained by leak tests, tube sealing, automated re-collection and online internal standard addition.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Regulatory compliance across ISO, ASTM, VDA, JASO, GOST and national standards
• High confidence in data due to wide dynamic range and integrated quality checks
• Reduced operational cost through cryogen-free operation and minimal maintenance interruptions
• Enhanced productivity via automated sampling, split/re-collection and unified data workflows
• Flexibility to address evolving emission requirements and support material development

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include real-time online monitoring, high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-targeted screening, machine learning integration for predictive emission profiling and further harmonization of global standards. Miniaturized and portable sampling devices paired with cloud-based data analytics could also emerge.

Conclusion

A comprehensive TD-GC-MS and HPLC approach coupled with robust automation and unified software enables accurate, high-throughput analysis of vehicle interior emissions. These solutions support compliance with current and future regulatory frameworks, drive development of low-emitting materials and ensure occupant safety.

References

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note 10363 Determination of VOC in automotive interior materials by Thermal Desorption GC-MS
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note 73565 A technical guide to the analysis of VOC and FOG emissions from automotive interior materials by direct desorption TD–GC–MS in accordance with VDA 278
• Markes International Application Note 131 The development of standard methods relating to vehicle interior air quality VIAQ and how to comply with them
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note 73527 Analysis of VOCs in automotive trim components using TD-GC-MS