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"What’s inside your car?” - Car interior emissions testing using Thermal desorption GC/MS analysis

Presentations |  | Thermo Fisher ScientificInstrumentation
GC/MSD, Thermal desorption, GC/SQ
Industries
Environmental, Materials Testing
Manufacturer
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Markes

Summary

Importance of the topic


Car interior materials can release volatile and semi‐volatile organic compounds that impact occupant health, odor perception, and regulatory compliance. Reliable analysis of these emissions is essential for product development, quality assurance, and ensuring safe cabin air.

Goals and overview of the study


This work demonstrates a comprehensive approach to analyzing automotive interior emissions using thermal desorption GC/MS. It covers both chamber‐based certification methods and rapid internal QC screening to detect VOCs and condensable compounds across a wide volatility range.

Methodology and instrumentation


Thermal desorption is performed in two stages: primary desorption of sorbent tubes and secondary desorption of a focusing trap directly into the GC. Key system features include:
  • Markes TD autosampler with cryogen‐free electrically cooled trap (–30 °C, up to four sorbents)
  • Trace GC with TR-5 ms column and temperature program from 40 °C to 280 °C
  • ISQ single-quadrupole MS in EI full-scan and SIM modes (m/z 29–370)
  • Micro-chamber emission screening at 65 °C with sorbent tubes for rapid surface and bulk testing

Main results and discussion


Leather, PVC, and artificial leather samples were screened. VOC values (toluene equivalents) ranged in low tens of µg g⁻¹, while fogging values (hexadecane equivalents) identified C16–C32 condensable species. Micro-chamber results correlated well with larger chamber tests, offering similar profiles in minutes rather than hours or days.

Benefits and practical applications


  • Wide analyte coverage (C₂–C₄₀, reactive compounds)
  • High sensitivity and reproducibility with splitless injections and re-collection
  • Cryogen-free operation reduces cost and maintenance
  • High sample throughput: multiple tubes, canisters, or on-line sampling
  • Compliance with VDA, JAMA, ISO 12219 standards

Future trends and potential uses


Standardization of micro-chamber methods (ISO 12219-3) will enhance comparability across laboratories. Developments in real-time MS and on-line TD coupling promise shorter cycle times. Data analytics and machine learning could enable predictive emission modelling and targeted material design.

Conclusion


The integration of Markes thermal desorption and ThermoFisher ISQ GC/MS provides a versatile, robust solution for automotive interior emission testing. This platform addresses both regulatory certification and internal QC, supporting safer, more comfortable vehicle environments.

Instrumentation


  • Markes TD-100 thermal desorption system
  • ThermoFisher Trace GC with TR-5 ms column
  • ThermoFisher ISQ single-quad mass spectrometer
  • Micro-chamber emission screening apparatus

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