Determination of the emission of formaldehyde from non-metallic materials and components using HPLC
The BMW work instruction AA-0061 describes the measurement of formaldehyde emissions from non-metallic materials and components. In contrast to VDA275, in which the formaldehyde concentration is determined photometrically, AA-0061 uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The test specimen is first heated in a closed polyethylene bottle over distilled water at a constant temperature. The formaldehyde now dissolved in the water is determined via HPLC after derivatization. The method provides the mass-related formaldehyde value [mg/kg] of the emission of a material. The method can also be used for the semi-quantitative determination of acetaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is a pungent-smelling gas that not only irritates the eyes and respiratory tract, but is also classified as “possibly carcinogenic.”
Due to its widespread use as a starting product, e.g. for dyes or synthetic resins, a formaldehyde determination according to AA-0061 is often required. The work instruction AA-0061 is also part of the BMW standard GS 93008-4.