Analysis of VOCs in automotive trim components using TD-GC-MS

Significance of the Topic

The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from automotive interior materials is critical for ensuring vehicle interior air quality and compliance with international standards such as VDA 278. Uncontrolled VOC emissions contribute to the characteristic new car odor, may have health impacts, and must be monitored to meet regulatory and OEM requirements.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates a streamlined, solvent-free workflow for direct thermal desorption (TD) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to quantify VOCs and semi volatile condensable compounds (FOG/SVOC) in automotive trim components. The method follows VDA 278 guidelines, using single-point calibration, focusing trap technology, and Thermo Fisher Chromeleon CDS for automated data acquisition, processing, and reporting against hazard lists.

Used Instrumentation

• Markes TD100-xr automated thermal desorption system with electrically cooled focusing trap
• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 gas chromatograph equipped with TRACE TR-5MS capillary column
• Thermo Scientific ISQ 7000 single quadrupole mass spectrometer (EI mode)
• Chromeleon Chromatography Data System software version 7.2
• Calibration Solution Loading Rig (CSLR) and Tenax sorbent tubes

Methodology

Samples of automotive trim materials were loaded into glass TD tubes and desorbed in nitrogen at 90 °C for 30 minutes for VOC analysis and at 120 °C for 60 minutes for FOG/SVOC analysis. Analytes were trapped at –30 °C on a focusing trap, then fast-heated and transferred to the GC column. Separation was achieved on a 30 m TRACE TR-5MS column under programmed temperature ramps. Mass spectral detection in full scan mode (m/z 29–450) enabled compound identification via NIST library and quantification as toluene or hexadecane equivalents using single-point calibrations.

Main Results and Discussion

Control standards demonstrated excellent chromatographic resolution and repeatable peak shapes. Thermoplastic polyurethane and polyurethane foam samples exhibited VOC emissions ranging from 123 to 332 µg/g and FOG/SVOC levels between 145 and 204 µg/g. Automated reporting in Chromeleon identified all compounds above 1 µg/g, matched them against GADSL, and flagged declarable substances with appropriate reason codes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Direct, solvent-free sample introduction with minimal preparation
• High sensitivity and reproducibility from focusing trap technology
• Fully automated TD–GC–MS workflow supporting unattended batch analysis
• Seamless integration of sample data processing and regulatory compliance reporting

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in TD system miniaturization and high-resolution MS will expand capabilities to trace MVOCs and emerging contaminants. Integration with robotics and AI-driven data analytics will streamline QA/QC workflows. Emerging global regulations may drive adoption of standardized TD-GC-MS protocols across automotive, aerospace, and indoor air quality applications.

Conclusion

The combined Markes TD100-xr, Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 GC, and ISQ 7000 MS provide a robust, regulatory-compliant solution for direct analysis of VOC and FOG/SVOC emissions in automotive trim. The approach delivers high sensitivity, repeatability, and automated reporting to meet industry and OEM requirements.

References

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2. Xu B, Chen X, Xiong J. Air Quality inside Motor Vehicles’ Cabins: A Review. Indoor Built Environ. 2016;25(3):452–464.
3. ISO 12219-1 to ‑9. Interior Air of Road Vehicles; Whole Vehicle Test Chamber and Material Emission Methods; 2012–2019.
4. GM Engineering Standards GMW15634: Determination of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds from Vehicle Interior Materials. General Motors; 2014.
5. ASTM D2369-10(2015)e1. Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings. ASTM International; 2015.
6. VDA Verband der Automobilindustrie. Thermal Desorption Analysis of Organic Emissions for Non-Metallic Materials. VDA 278; 2011.
7. Markes Application Note: Automated TD100-xr Thermal Desorption System for Automotive VOC and FOG/SVOC Analysis. 2020.
8. Markes Application Note: Calibration Solution Loading Rig for TD Standards. 2020.
9. Global Automotive Declarable Substance List Guidance Document. 2016.