Testing acc. to VCS 1027,2729: Odour of trim materials in vehicles
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Our test laboratory performs testing according to Volvo VCS 1027,2729 for the sensory assessment of the odour of materials and components used in vehicle interiors. The method evaluates the tendency of organic materials to release volatile constituents with a perceptible odour after defined temperature and humidity exposure.
The odour test is particularly relevant for materials and components used in automotive interiors. In addition to conventional interior materials, the method also covers components that come into contact with the air flow supplied to the vehicle interior. Odour behaviour is an important criterion for perceived interior quality and complements the analytical assessment of material emissions.
The method belongs to the FILK testing field Odour within the broader field of Emissions + Odour.
Classification and related test methods
VCS 1027,2729 is a further development of the former Volvo STD 1027,2712, Issue 1, which was replaced by the VCS standard. The method corresponds to variants A2, B2 and C2 of VDA 270, but extends them by an additional test in a vessel without water.
There is therefore a particularly close methodological relationship with VDA 270 and with other manufacturer-specific odour tests for materials used in automotive interiors. In contrast to instrumental emission analyses, the odour test directly assesses the sensory perception of volatile constituents released from the material. It therefore complements VOC, formaldehyde and fogging tests in the comprehensive evaluation of interior materials.
Test procedure according to Volvo VCS 1027,2729
The amount of sample used depends on the type and quantity of the material employed in the vehicle interior. Materials that can be tested include upholstery and trim materials, films, leather, foams, carpets and insulation materials.
The samples are conditioned in sealed test vessels both with and without deionised water for 24 hours at 40 °C. Immediately afterwards, the odour is assessed by several assessors on a scale from 1 to 6. This enables the odour intensity of different interior materials to be compared.
Further tests according to specifications issued by Volvo can be found on our Volvo page. An overview of Volvo and other vehicle manufacturers, associations and standardisation organisations is available under Tests by publisher.
