RNES-B-00096 Odor Test Method for Materials and Parts

The Renault Nissan engineering standard, “RNES-B-00096 Odor test method for materials and parts,” describes a method for measuring the spherical density of materials and parts used in a vehicle's passenger compartment and characterizing the odor with the help of a panel of odor experts in an odor control area.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Odor: An odor caused by chemical compounds released into the interior air from a material, automotive part, or the entire interior of a vehicle.
• Odor panel: A group of at least 5 trained individuals who conduct a sensory assessment of odor emissions originating from materials, automotive parts, or the entire interior of a vehicle.
• Panelist: A member of the scent panel.
• Panel leader: The person whose primary responsibilities include managing panel activities and recruiting, training, and monitoring evaluators.
• Global intensity: The intensity of the odor of a sample as assessed by a trained panelist.
• Polaris: Refers to one or more reference molecules used to define a scent.

Panel members are trained to assess odor intensities on a 6-level scale and to qualitatively characterize odors. The panel leader must be familiar with the “Odor Field” methodology to train panelists and provide a critical assessment of proposals and results. The panel conducts a regular training session (e.g., one hour per week). The RNES-B-00098 standard applies to panelist selection and initial training procedures.

The density scale used has 6 levels numbered from 0 to 5. The 1-butanol solution corresponds to each density level above level 0 (density level is taken from NF X 43-103 standard).

This scale is prepared as follows:

• 10 liter Tedlar bags with 2 valves
• 100 ml bottles
• Graduated pipettes
• Pure 1-butanol
• Odorless demineralized water
• Odorless gas (e.g., air or nitrogen)

The 1-Butanol dilutions used for the density scale are as follows:

• Level 5 (10-2 L/L concentration): Pour 1 ml of 1-butanol into a 100 ml volumetric flask and fill with demineralized water (solution 1).
• Level 4 (3,10-3 L/L concentration): 30 ml of solution 1 is poured into a 100 ml volumetric flask and filled with demineralized water (solution 2).
• Level 3 (10-3 L/L concentration): 10 ml of solution 1 is poured into a 100 ml volumetric flask and filled with demineralized water.
• Level 2 (3,10-4 L/L concentration): 10 ml of solution 2 is poured into a 100 ml volumetric flask and filled with demineralized water (solution 3).
• Level 1 (3,10-5 L/L concentration): 10 ml of solution 3 is poured into a 100 ml volumetric flask and filled with demineralized water.

In the highly competitive automotive industry, where consumer experience drives sales, even the smallest factors, such as the smell inside a new vehicle, can affect buyer satisfaction. This is where the RNES-B-00096 technical standard comes into play, ensuring that interior materials and parts do not emit unpleasant odors. This standard incorporates rigorous testing methods to ensure a pleasant cabin environment from day one. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, RNES-B-00096 and similar standards play a crucial role in aligning environmental responsibility with user comfort.

Vehicle interiors are a complex ecosystem of plastics, fabrics, adhesives, and leathers that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing or heat exposure. These emissions can cause an unpleasant new car smell that can be chemically irritating. For car manufacturers, controlling bad odors is not just a quality issue, but also a responsibility.

The RNES-B-00096 standard specifically targets odor testing methods for materials and parts, ensuring suppliers provide components that meet sensory criteria. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's also linked to health, as excessive odors can exacerbate allergies or respiratory problems.

The RNES-B-00096 standard provides a standard protocol for evaluating how materials smell under controlled conditions and simulating real vehicle use. Suppliers must comply with this standard to obtain approval for parts used in vehicles.

The key elements of this standard are:

• Test procedure: Samples are conditioned in a climate-controlled chamber (typically held at 65 degrees for 2 hours and then cooled to room temperature). A panel of trained evaluators rates the odor on a scale of 1 (no odor) to 6 (strong, unacceptable odor). The target score is usually 3 or higher for most interior components.
• Scope: This standard applies to interior trim, seats, carpets, adhesives, and even paints. Exterior parts are less affected unless they interact with the cabin.
• Integration with other standards: This standard works in conjunction with RNES-B-00161 (Odor specification for materials and parts) and NES M0297 (Restrictions on the use of fragrance substances). These standards collectively form an odor management trio in the alliance's quality guidelines.

This standard is referenced in Nissan’s green purchasing guidelines, which emphasize the selection of sustainable materials that minimize both environmental impact and sensory disturbance.

For suppliers, compliance with the RNES-B-00096 standard is not negotiable. Typically, it works as follows:

• Material selection: In the early stages of design, engineers determine odor targets based on part location (e.g., stricter rules for headliner components than for under-hood components).
• Testing and verification: Laboratories use specialized odor rooms that conform to ISO standards for repeatability. Results are documented in safety data sheets and submitted through systems such as the International Materials Data System.
• Reporting and audits: Suppliers report fragrance data along with recycled content percentages. Non-compliance may result in rejected shipments or cancellation of certification.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "RNES-B-00096 Odor test method for materials and parts" standard.