This study demonstrates the use of direct desorption of various textiles and trimmings prior to analysis by thermal desorption (TD) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with BenchTOF2™ time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF MS) to identify malodours and compounds of potential concern.
The release of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) from products and materials has been the subject of various mandatory regulations and ‘green codes’ for many years. US building codes, the European Construction Product Regulation (CPR) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [1] are key examples of regulatory developments that increase the need for chemical emissions testing as part of product labelling.
The analysis of vehicle trim materials (including plastics, polyurethane, foam, wood, carpets, textiles and adhesives) has also been a major focus for emissions testing, in response to health concerns and off-odour complaints.
Markes International, a company of the Schauenburg Analytics Ltd group alongside SepSolve Analytical, has a well-deserved reputation for work on indoor air analysis, emissions from materials and vehicle interior air quality (VIAQ). The company’s thermal desorption (TD) instrumentation is widely used to carry out standard methods, such as those stipulated in VIAQ regulations. [2]
However, the sample and matrix complexity, as well as an ever-expanding list of odorous compounds of concern, makes it a challenge for those responsible for performing sampling and analysis of target and non-target compounds. This has led to a need for innovative new methods for complete emissions characterisation.
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