Automobile interiors

Specific Tests. Federal (United States) Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (MVSS) 302 is used to measure the burning behavior of materials used in automobile interiors. A specimen is mounted horizontally and ignited for 15 seconds. The burning rate should be below 10 cm /min. The test specimen is 35.5 X 10.1 cm by the actual thickness (up to 1.3 cm). Automakers typically impose more severe criteria than the 10 cm /min in the standard. 

The most important use of polystyrene is in packaging. Molded polystyrene is used in items such as automobile interior parts, furniture, and home appliances. Packaging uses plus specialized food uses such as containers for carryout food are growth areas. Expanded polystyrene foams, which are produced by polymerizing styrene with a volatile solvent such as pentane, have low densities. They are used extensively in insulation and flotation (lifejackets). 

The second substrate utilized was a high loft polyester, representative of material used in air filters, furniture padding, and automobile interior pads. The material used here is constructed of 1 1/2 denier fiber, weighs 1 1/2 ounces per square yard, and is relatively open in construction. Polyester as a material is water resistant and flammable. This fiber ignites at around 520°C, but melts at about 265°C. In many flame retardant tests, the polyester will melt and shrink" away from the flame, giving spurrious results. Once again, not all binders have an affinity for this substrate, and flame retardancy is affected. 

DETAILS DMS is an extremely deadly and insidious chemical that was once considered for use as a chemical warfare agent. Initial exposure frequently produces no symptoms until the delay period has passed. This agent is ideal for treating enclosed spaces such as rooms or an automobile interior. Just figure the volume of the target area in cubic meters and double this amount to be sure. For example, a standard sized automobile has an interior volume of about five cubic meters. Therefore, five grams would... 

Recent work by the USDA and Kcnaf International (Texas) has demonstrated the potential of both growing and processing kcnaf fibers for newsprinl and other paper products in the United States. Another promising potential use for vegetable fibers is in the new lignocellulosic-hased composites under development in various parts of the industrialized world. Such products are already utilized in the automotive industry for automobile interior door and head liners and as trunk liners. 

Polymers. The manufacture of alcohols fiom higher olefins via the oxo process for use m plasticizers is a significant outlet for both linear a-olefins and branched olefins such as heptenes, nonenes, and dodecenes. These olefins are converted into alcohols containing one more carbon number than the original olefin. The alcohols then react with dibasic anhydrides or adds to form PVC plasticizers. The plasticizers produced from the linear olefins have superior volatility and cold-weallier flexibility characteristics, making them an ideal product to use in flexible PVC for automobile interiors. 

Standard Test Methods for the Determination of VOCs and SVOCs in Automobile Interiors... 

The concentration of VOCs and SVOCs in the automobile interior during the test... 

The existing test stand method and the standardized analytical process are powerful routine methods for delivering a reliable characterization of emissions in automobile interiors. The effects on the IAQ of changes in the interior furnishing can be followed precisely. When combined with emission-chamber measurements of single parts of the interior, components can be constantly improved and the quality of the materials for interior furnishings secured (Bauhof et ai, 1996 VDA, 2005). 

Dropkin, D. (1985) Sampling of Automobile Interiors for Organic Emissions, EPA/600/9, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. 

Wensing, M., Pardemann, J. and Schwampe, W. (2003) Flame retardants in the indoor environment. Part V measurement and exposure evaluation of organophosphate esters from automobile interiors. Proceedings of Healthy Buildings 2003, Singapore, Vol. 1, pp. 172-7. 

Zweidinger, R.A., Bursey, J.T., Castillo, N.C., Keefe, R. and Smith, D. (1982) Organic Emissions from Automobile Interiors, SAE Technical Paper Series 820784, Society of Automotive Engineers, Warrendale, PA, USA. 

Witz S, Wood JA, Wadley MW. 1986. Toxic metal and hydrocarbon concentrations in automobile interiors during freeway transit. ProcAm Chem Soc Div Environ Chem, 192nd National Meeting 26 302- 305. 

T = 130°C) and are most appropriate for polyester body cloth for automobile interiors. Medium-energy dyes are also used to dye polyester and can be applied at atmospheric pressure using a carrier. 

In recent years starch, the polysaccharide of cereals, legumes and tubers, has acquired relevance as a biodegradable polymer and is becoming increasingly important as an industrial material (Fritz Aichholzer, 1995). Starch is a thermoplastic polymer and it can therefore be extruded or injection moulded (Balta Calleja et al, 1999). It can also be processed by application of pressure and heat. Starch has been used successfully as a matrix in composites of natural fibres (flax, jute, etc.). The use of starch in these composites could be of value in applications such as automobile interiors. An advantage of this biopolymer is that its preparation as well as its destruction do not act negatively upon the environment. A further advantage of starch is its low price as compared with conventional synthetic thermoplastics (PE, PP). 

Use (Flexible) Furniture, automobile interiors, ma-tresses, etc., where softness and resiliency are desired. (Rigid) Insulating material, boat building and similar light construction, salvage of waterlogged ships. 

Occurrence of volatile nitrosamines in air has been associated with tire and rubber products, leather tanneries, and automotive upholstery, and, as a result, measurable levels of the nitrosamines have been found in certain confined areas, e.g. automobile interiors. Concentrations of NDMA in interior air of automobiles have been found to vary widely due to differences in age of the car, design and decor. Levels of NDMA in interior air of new cars were found to range from <0.02 to 0.83 g/m (Dropkin 1985, Rounbehler et al. 1980). 

Dropkin D. 1985. Sampling of automobile interiors for organic emissions. Report. EPA 600/3-85-008. NITS PB85-172567/GAR, 29 pp. 

---