VDA 230-223 Plastic Covers for Automotive Interiors - Testing of Amine Compatibility

The standard "VDA 230-223 Plastic covers for automotive interiors - Testing of amine compatibility" published by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) describes a method for testing the compatibility of plastic cover products made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This method simulates the color and odor change of PVC plastic covers under the influence of amines that can be released from other materials (e.g. polyurethane foams). This standard acts together with the standard "VDA 270 Determination of odor behavior of materials used in vehicle interiors".

The materials are stored in a closed system at high temperature and in the presence of amine. Temperature, amine amount and test geometry are strictly defined. Color and odor change after storage are evaluated.

Depending on the application, this procedure is performed using one of the following test methods:

• Method A: Testing colour change in areas exposed to high temperature loads (e.g. sunshades).
• Method B: Testing the colour change in areas with medium temperature loads (e.g. centre armrest of the rear bench seat).
• Method C: Testing for off-odors that may result from amine exposure (e.g. coating parts)

For the purposes of this standard, amine compatibility means that the PVC material does not change colour or deteriorate due to the action of amines at high temperatures.

Equipment and chemicals used in these tests include:

• Special dryer with flat base, stopperless lid and metal quick-release fastener, inner diameter 100 mm, height without lid approx. 160 mm, total volume 1,4 l.
• 150ml beaker, height 80mm, diameter approx. 60mm.
• Watch glass, diameter approx. 50mm, height approx. 7mm, glass thickness between 1,5mm and 1,9mm.
• 100ml beaker, height 70mm, diameter approx. 50mm.
• Glass slide 76 x 26 mm, glass thickness 1,0 mm plus/minus 0,05 mm.
• Polypropylene tape (white) or cable ties (polyamide 6.6, natural color, metal-free), maximum width 5 mm.
• Circulating air drying cabinet that can maintain a constant temperature of 24 degrees plus/minus 70 degrees or 2 degrees plus/minus 90 degrees and 2 degrees plus/minus 100 degrees for 2 hours.
• Colorimeter according to 105 degree observer, compliant with ISO 05-A105 and ISO 65-D10 standards.
• Analytical balance with a 0,1 mg graduation scale.
• Glass pipette.
• Paraffin-based grinding grease (silicone-free), temperature resistant, minus 40 degrees to plus 200 degrees, grease oil content 87 percent, thickener silicon dioxide, vapor pressure 21 x 2,7 at 10 degrees³ Pa.
• Percent A blend of 33 percent triethyldiamine and 67 percent dipropylene glycol.
• White paper.

Test conditions for Method A, Method B and Method C are shown in the table provided in the standard.

In preparing the test, 5 of the samples are placed against the glass with their backs (the side not visible when placed) over the top edge of the 100 ml beaker. This leaves approximately 50 mm of the sample length inside the glass and the remaining sample length hanging down the outer glass wall. The samples are then fixed with tape at a height of 15 mm from the bottom of the beaker. In the case of rigid materials, these can be temporarily fixed with an inert clamp to facilitate the attachment of the tape. In such cases, it is also useful to make lateral cuts at the point where the samples are inverted.

Then the watch glass is placed in the center of the bottom of the 150 ml beaker, then the amount of amine catalyst determined according to the process is weighed into the watch glass using a pipette and a balance. After the weighing process is completed, the 150 ml beaker is immediately placed in the center of the special desiccator. The slide is placed in the center of the beaker slide. Then, the beaker containing 5 samples is placed in the center of the slide and the desiccator is closed. Ground joint grease should be used to ensure the sealing of the desiccator. The lid is fixed with a metal quick-release fastener.

The desiccator is then placed in a circulating air drying cabinet for 24 hours at the temperature specified for the process. After removing the desiccant from the drying cabinet, it is left to cool at room temperature for a maximum of 30 minutes. The desiccator is then opened under a fume hood and the test samples are immediately removed. Even if an odor test is not required, five samples should always be exposed to the amine. Different materials should never be tested simultaneously in a desiccator.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its wide range of testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the standard "VDA 230-223 Plastic covers for automotive interiors - Testing of amine compatibility" are also provided to businesses.