Volvo VCS 1027,2739 Formaldehyde emission

Our test laboratory performs testing according to Volvo VCS 1027,2739 for the determination of formaldehyde emissions from organic materials and components used in vehicle interiors. The method enables the quantitative assessment and comparison of formaldehyde emissions from different materials and components. It is particularly suitable for material development, component comparison, approval testing and quality assurance and forms part of the comprehensive assessment of emissions and odour in automotive interiors.

Classification and related test methods

VCS 1027,2739 was developed as a further development of the former Volvo STD 1027,2713, Issue 1. The Volvo specification explicitly states that its technical content conforms to VDA 275. Both methods determine formaldehyde emissions from materials and moulded components used in vehicle interiors by means of the modified bottle method.

The bottle method was originally developed to determine formaldehyde emissions from textile materials and untreated wood-based materials and was subsequently adapted in different variants for other materials. VCS 1027,2739 focuses on the comparative quantitative assessment of formaldehyde emissions from vehicle interior components.

Test procedure VCS 1027,2739

Defined test specimens are stored in a sealed 1-litre bottle above distilled water at 60 °C. Formaldehyde released from the material is absorbed in the water and subsequently determined photometrically using the acetylacetone method. The test includes several parallel determinations; the moisture content of the material is also taken into account. The result is related to the dry mass and reported as formaldehyde emission in mg/kg.

Further tests according to Volvo specifications can be found on our Volvo page. An overview of Volvo and other manufacturers, associations and standardisation organisations can be found under Tests by publisher.