Materials and Air Pollutants

Test site for the simultaneous determination of emissions (Volatile organic compounds (VOC) / fine, ultrafine and nano particles / ozone)

Emissions of hazardous substances from materials and products and their immissions effect the natural environment, human health and safety and sensitive materials.

We focus on the identification and analysis of such pollutants, their emission levels from materials and their environmental impact and damage mechanism.

We develop methods for:

• Determination of emissions from materials and products into the air and their immissions
• Analysis of volatile organic compounds, selected inorganic compounds in the air as well as particles and aerosols and their interaction
• Reference materials with defined and reproducible emission behavior
• Simulation of reference atmospheres and possible environmental damages in climate test chambers
• Reduction of emissions and immissions
• Protection methods against damage caused by environmental impacts

Most of the methods employed in our division are accredited according to ISO 170125.

Methods that we develop and our test data are used in experts groups and standardization. They contribute to the implementation of environmental regulations as the European construction products directive (CPD) – Essential requirement (ER) 3 “Health, hygiene and environmental protection”.

A reduction of emissions from materials and products is a relevant contribution for improving indoor air quality.

Methods, procedures and test equipment

• Emission test chambers with volumes of up to 20 m³
• Gas chromatographs coupled with mass spectrometers and flame ionization detectors
• HPLC with diode-array detector and mass spectrometers
• Particle spectrometers and impactors for fine, ultrafine and nano particles
• Generators for particles, aerosols, ozone and VOC’s
• Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM / EDX)
• Climate test chambers

top