KIA MS300-34 Odor Evaluation Methods of Interior Materials and Polymeric Parts

The “KIA MS300-34 Odor evaluation methods of interior materials and polymeric parts” standard, developed by Hyundai-Kia Motors Company, the oldest motor vehicle manufacturer in Korea, describes the odor evaluation methods of interior materials and polymeric parts that come into contact with the air entering the vehicle.

Samples must be in the same condition as immediately before assembly on a parts assembly line. In addition, samples must meet the requirements based on simple measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as described in the following standards:

• “KIA MS300-55 Test method for determining VOC emissions from vehicle parts”
• “KIA MS300-57 Test method for VOC emission from parts assembly”

The general requirements in this standard are described as follows:

• As stated in the table titled “Odor degree table” given in the standard, the odor should be graded in 6 levels.
• The strength of the scent should be divided by 0,5.
• The average including the decimal point should be taken and rounded to select the final level.
• According to the odor grade in the table, if there are no special requirements in the drawing, the samples evaluated from Class 1 to Class 3 pass.
• If the sample smells fishy or amine-like, the odor is confirmed.
• If the odor is emitted beyond the limits of trimethylamine, the sample is deemed to fail.

The classification in the table in question is as follows:

• Class 1 None: No odor
• Class 2 Threshold: Barely perceptible odor
• Class 3 Medium: Weak and perceptible odor
• Class 4 Strong: Strong odor that is easily detected
• Class 5 Very strong: Very intense odor
• Class 6 Very very strong: Unbearable intense odor with difficulty breathing

In general, the standard laboratory condition for testing is 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent relative humidity. When the laboratory cannot be kept in this condition, the ambient temperature and relative humidity should be reported.

In the tests, a 4 L volume desiccator is used, which is necessary for complete sealing with the lid. The desiccator should first be washed with ethanol and distilled water and dried for one hour at 100 degrees before use.

Major equipment used in testing includes:

• Desiccator (4 L): A glass desiccator can be used, which should be completely covered with clamping tape. Silicone type odorless vacuum grease should be used in this test.
• Glass bottle (1 L): A 270 L glass bottle can be used for the VDA1 method and must be closed.
• Oven: Can be used in case of heated desiccators. Temperature deviation should be less than plus/minus 2 degrees from the set temperature.
• Beaker (glass, 100 mL): Distilled water reservoir for wet condition testing.

A criterion for odor intensity should be evaluated by the dilution concentration of pure n-butanol diluted with ultrapure deionized water more than 18,2 Megaohm in the table titled “Odor judgment concentration criterion standards for odor strength”. In case of dilution and storage of samples, brown bottles or brown volumetric flasks should be used. After dilution, samples should be mixed with a stirrer for 1 hour for homogeneity.

In the test preparation process, 1L of distilled water is poured into the brown volumetric flask. Using n-butanol, odor evaluation standards (Class 2 ~ Class 6) are prepared in the flask. Using a stirrer, odor evaluation standards are mixed homogeneously and 100mL are put into brown bottles respectively and closed with caps. Six odor evaluation standards are prepared from Class 1 to Class 6. The odor evaluation standards should be used within one hour to evaluate the strength of the odor.

Odor panels are selected using the odor judgment standard for odor intensity in the table titled “Odor judgment concentration criteria standards for odor strength” and the four different panel selection odor judgment standards in the table titled “Odor judgment standards for odor panel selection.” The panel is selected from people who can recognize the second degree of odor judgment standards and can distinguish three different odors, these are randomly selected from the 4 judgment standards. Panels must consist of more than 3 people.

With the procedure described in this standard, the source of the odor is more accurately distinguished and the contribution of a part assembly to the odor of the entire car is more visually determined. With this method, the entire car odor contribution source is quickly found and the odor change is distinguished.

Essentially, the odor emitted from the interior parts of a vehicle consists of many different odor components produced from various materials. As a result, it is of great importance to evaluate the odor caused by vehicle interior materials for in-car air quality control.

This standard focuses on the problem of classifying the type of odor, and therefore the type of material that causes the odor. This standard aims to distinguish between types and degrees of odor and to identify types and degrees of odor. According to research, inhaling the smell of the interior of a vehicle (new car smell) can be dangerous to human health. This smell is caused by microscopic particles and their combined vapors emitted from the plastic materials and synthetic fabrics of a car that has just left the factory.

Our organization has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies provided for businesses in various sectors, there are also testing services in accordance with the "KIA MS300-34 Odor evaluation methods of interior materials and polymeric parts" standard.