Test chambers and analytics

The air quality in interior spaces depends on the emissions from the objects contained therein and the applied building materials. With the help of test chambers, we investigate the emissions from construction products, small and large electrical appliances, interior fixtures and furnishings as well as consumer products. For this purpose, we also develop specific testing procedures for particular application scenarios in order to identify and evaluate impurities in the room air.

With our research, we contribute to the enabling not only of the definition of appropriate threshold values ​​for harmful emissions in interior spaces but also of the testing of products concerning their compliance. Furthermore, the additional requirements of voluntary product labels can also be specified and adhered to with our help. A further focus is placed upon the identification of off-odors. By combining test chamber measurements and other technical procedures with sensory measurements, we are able to detect the sources of odor nuisance and thereby contribute additionally to the manufacturer’s process and product optimization. 

Very volatile organic compounds (VVOC)

In diverse materials and objects, substances are applied which contain very volatile organic compounds (VVOC). As an example, leather sofas often contain volatile acids such as formic acid. VVOC can, depending on the dosage and the individual predisposition, cause headaches, skin irritations, nausea, and fatigue in humans. As the compounds are very volatile, the main problem is the sampling with conventional absorbents (sorbents). We develop efficient methods for the sampling and analysis of VVOC.

Reactive substances

Products such as air purifiers, printers or photocatalytically-active building materials can release partially reactive substances such as ozone or nitrogen oxides, which can lead to a multitude of negative effects in the surrounding area. The testing of products for reactive substances is a particular challenge, as the test object is usually complex in structure and does not permit simple conclusions. Through our research, we decipher the mechanisms of the release of reactive substances.

Air purifiers

Air purifiers are electrical appliances that utilize differing technologies in order to filter dust, smaller particles, organic compounds and gases from the air. Due to the fact that the outdoor air quality in many cities around the world is poor, air purifiers are regarded as a possibility for obtaining good quality indoor air despite contamination of the outside air. We examine air purifiers under defined conditions and can systematically impinge them with air pollutants, thereby supporting the further development of these devices. We are also able to test prototypes and series production devices concerning their performance.

Further information regarding air purifiers can be found here.