Volatile Organic Compounds
The laboratory enables the characterisation of formaldehyde and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from building materials and the evaluation of VOC removal under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. In addition, our research team can test and calibrate sensors for indoor air quality measurements to minimise measurement uncertainty and provide quality data.
The laboratory consists of two VOC and formaldehyde emission test chambers (1 m³ and 6 m³), both of which comply with the main standard methods for VOC and formaldehyde emission tests (EN 717-1, ISO16000-9, EN 16516, ASTM D5116, etc.). The chambers can be used to test furniture and building materials of various sizes and types, including plywood, wallpaper, adhesives, textiles, flooring, insulation, wall panels, paints and coatings.
The emission test chambers are hermetically sealed and thermally insulated. The internal temperature can be adjusted between 23°C and 65°C in the 1 m³ test chamber and between 23°C and 50°C in the 6 m³ chamber. The relative humidity (RH) can be set to any value between the RH value of the incoming air and 80% RH at 23°C. The air velocity inside the chambers can be changed according to experimental requirements.
The main tests that can be performed in the laboratory are: emission tests, decay tests and sensor testing and calibration. During testing, it is possible to measure formaldehyde in real time and perform off-line VOC measurements.
The volatile organic compound and formaldehyde emission tests for companies carried out in the two sealed test chambers are:
- Characterisation of volatile organic compound emissions from building materials
- Characterisation of formaldehyde emissions from building materials
- Indoor air quality measurement
- Sensor testing and calibration
- Emissions test conducted in accordance with standard requirements