Testing acc. to VDA 230-208: Leather and Plastic Roll Stock for Motor Vehicle Interior Trim - Hydrolytic Aging
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Our test laboratory performs testing according to VDA 230-208 for the hydrolytic aging of materials used in automotive interiors. The test simulates accelerated aging under defined heat and humidity conditions and enables subsequent assessment of hydrolysis-related material changes.
The standard is intended for materials and composite materials. After defined aging, the specimens can be used for further mechanical, optical or surface-related testing.
Testing according to VDA 230-208
The specimens are stored in a closed vessel at a defined temperature and relative humidity. The standard specifies three aging conditions: A for 168 h at 70 °C and 95–100% RH, B for 168 h at 70 °C and 75% RH, and C for 168 h at 80 °C and 75% RH.
During aging, the specimens must not contact liquid water, other specimens or large areas of the vessel wall. They are subsequently conditioned for at least 24 h, preferably 48 h, at 23 °C and 50% RH.
Subsequent tests can then be performed. If no further testing is specified, the aged specimens are compared with unaged material and visible changes such as colour or gloss changes are documented.
Applications of the test
The method is suitable for leather, artificial leather and films as well as corresponding composite materials used in vehicle interiors. It accelerates material changes caused by the combined action of elevated humidity and temperature.
Different leather tanning systems, coatings, polymer formulations and material constructions can therefore be compared with regard to their hydrolytic stability. The aging procedure can also be used as a defined preconditioning step before subsequent performance and resistance tests.
For materials whose mechanical or optical properties may deteriorate under heat and moisture, hydrolytic aging enables a direct comparison between the initial and artificially aged condition.
Related standards
A direct combination is possible with the assessment of soiling and cleaning properties according to VDA 230-212. Hydrolytic aging according to VDA 230-208 can be used as a preconditioning step before evaluating soiling and cleaning behaviour.
As a complementary climatic resistance test, the cold resistance test according to VDA 230-217 evaluates the mechanical behaviour of plastic roll goods at low temperatures. Together, the methods cover different environmental stresses relevant to automotive interior materials.
