The standard “TSM 0503G Fogging test method for non-metallic materials” developed by Toyota automobile company describes the standard fogging test method for non-metallic materials to be used mainly in automobile interiors.
Tests are normally carried out indoors at a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent. If this condition is not possible, the actual test atmosphere shall be reported. Before the test begins, the test specimens and test samples shall be dried and dehumidified in a dryer in this test atmosphere for at least 24 hours. Three or more test pieces shall be used for each test.
Glass plates, glass vials, cups, silicone rubber seals, metal rings and similar apparatus to be used in the tests must be thoroughly cleaned of oil and anything adhering to them by the method described below. Using acetone, ethyl acetate or another suitable solvent, wipe off any substances adhering to the glass plate surfaces, glass vials and inner walls of the cups and then rinse in acetone. Any remaining acetone on the glass plates is gently wiped off with a lint-free cloth or other material and the glass vials, cups and similar equipment are rinsed for 2 to 3 minutes and dried in a dryer or similar place for 2 to 3 minutes. The same glass plate shall not be used more than 10 times.
As a rule, using this method, test instruments are cleaned before testing. If it is necessary to store the instruments after cleaning, they are stored in a desiccant to prevent dust or dirt from adhering to the instruments.
Two different methods are applied in the accelerated fogging test:
When performing the test, the test piece is placed in the glass container in the test equipment. The container is covered with a glass plate, which also serves as a lid. The plate is roughly fixed with tape at its four corners. The glass container and the glass plate must be cleaned beforehand. After adjusting the temperature of the oil or glycerin bath according to the table, the container is placed in the bath so that the liquid level reaches 110 mm above the bottom of the container. Under this condition, the bath is heated for the time specified in the table. After the bath has been heated for the specified time, the glass plate is immediately removed and stored in a desiccator until the fogging measurement is made.
This test method includes two different measurements. For the reflection factor measurement, the test piece is placed flat on the bottom of the beaker with the decorated surface facing upwards. A metal ring is placed on the test piece to prevent it from bending. The metal ring can be removed when there is no possibility of bending the test piece. The temperature of the heating unit is adjusted as indicated in the table and the beaker is immersed in the oil bath so that the oil level reaches approximately 60 mm below the glass plate. Then, the silicone rubber sealant is placed and the beaker is immediately covered with the glass plate, which acts as a lid. Then, the cooling plate, in which the cooling water is circulated at 20 degrees plus/minus 1 degree, is placed on the glass plate and the beaker is heated. For this measurement, a rinsed beaker, metal ring, glass plate and silicone rubber sealant are used.
For the measurement of bound mass, the test piece is placed flat on the bottom of the beaker with the decorated surface facing upwards. A metal ring is placed on the test piece to prevent it from bending. The metal ring can be removed when there is no possibility of the test piece bending. The temperature of the heating unit is adjusted as indicated in the table and the beaker is immersed in the oil bath until the oil level is approximately 60 mm below the glass plate. Immediately after this, a silicone rubber seal is placed inside and the three beakers are covered with a round piece of aluminium foil with a diameter of 103 mm. Then, the cooling plate, in which cooling water is circulated at 20 degrees plus/minus 1 degree, is placed on the glass plate and the beaker is heated. For this measurement, a rinsed beaker, a metal ring, a glass plate and a silicone rubber seal are used.
Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “TSM 0503G Steaming test method for non-metallic materials” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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