The standard “PSA D40 5535 Analysis of formaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds in equipment in the passenger compartment of a vehicle by liquid chromatography,” developed by the French car manufacturer PSA Group, now part of Stellantis, describes a procedure for measuring formaldehyde and specified aldehydes and ketones that may be released from passenger compartment materials. Examples of aldehydes and ketones include: acetaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetone, formaldehyde, and the like. Depending on the manufacturer, the technical specifications should be consulted to determine which compounds need to be measured.
The principle of the described test method is as follows: A sample of the material is suspended in a sealed bottle over a quantity of water. To dissolve the aldehydes and ketones in the water, the mixture is heated in an oven at 60 degrees for 3 hours. Then, DNPH is added to the water to react with the aldehydes and ketones to form a stable derivative according to the reaction shown in the figure. The resulting solution is analyzed by HPLC. The compounds are separated on a nonpolar column and detected by ultraviolet molecular absorption. The measurement of compounds derived using DNPH is performed by external calibration.
The main components of a liquid chromatograph are:
The PSA D40 5535 standard addresses vehicle interior air quality concerns by measuring potentially harmful volatile emissions that may originate from interior components such as plastics, textiles, foams, adhesives, leather, and coatings. Formaldehyde and related carbonyls are common gaseous compounds that contribute to the new car smell but can cause health problems such as eye/nose irritation, headaches, or respiratory problems, especially under heat in poorly ventilated new or parked vehicles.
This method helps ensure that interior materials meet low emission requirements for passenger health and comfort, and is consistent with the automotive industry’s overall trend toward stricter volatile organic compound (VOC) and aldehyde limits.
The key aspects of the described test method are as follows:
While precise limit values vary according to the PSA/Stellandis material specification (e.g., some require specific emission rates of formaldehyde up to 10 mg/kg), the focus is on analytical procedure rather than standard universal pass/fail thresholds. Compliance is generally tied to broader PSA material approval documents (e.g., interior trim specifications referencing the PSA D40 5535 standard for carbonyl emissions).
The PSA D40 5535 standard is widely referenced by accredited testing laboratories that provide material qualification and homologation services to automotive suppliers. This standard reflects the ongoing efforts of car manufacturers to reduce cabin air pollutants in line with consumer awareness, health regulations, and voluntary commitments to improving indoor air quality in modern vehicles.
In short, the PSA D40 5535 standard defines a test method for identifying formaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds (such as aldehydes and ketones) emitted from materials used in the vehicle's passenger compartment.
Interior materials in vehicles, including plastics, textiles, adhesives, coatings, foams, and leather, can release volatile chemicals during use. These emissions can affect air quality, odor, and passenger health; therefore, emission control is a crucial requirement for automotive suppliers. The PSA D40 5535 standard ensures that interior materials meet strict emission limits before being approved for use in vehicles.
The main purpose of this standard is as follows:
Formaldehyde is particularly important because it is known to cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation even at low concentrations. Therefore, controlling its emissions from interior materials is crucial for passenger safety and comfort.
PSA D40 5535 applies to non-metallic materials used in vehicle interiors. For example,
These materials can be used in the following components:
The test method evaluates the emission behavior of these materials under controlled laboratory conditions.
The PSA D40 5535 standard measures formaldehyde and carbonyl compounds using liquid chromatography, typically high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The testing process generally follows these steps:
This analytical technique provides high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting carbonyl compounds at low concentrations.
The PSA D40 5535 is technically compliant with various indoor air and emissions standards, including:
These standards provide guidance on sampling, environmental conditions, and analytical methods used in emissions testing.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the PSA D40 5535 standard.
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