Given the confined space and limited air circulation inside vehicles, environmental safety within the cabin has long been a focal point for both automakers and consumers. Consequently, safety performance testing for automotive interior components is of paramount importance. In addition to evaluating hazardous substances such as those governed by ELV (End-of-Life Vehicles) and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) regulations, several other safety performance aspects must be considered.
Flame Retardancy
For automotive interior materials, particularly textiles, flame retardancy is a critical safety indicator that effectively mitigates the risk of vehicle fires. The current standard for flame retardancy testing is GB 8410-2006. "Flammability of Automotive Interior Materials." Common evaluation methods include vertical burning tests, horizontal burning tests, and 45° angle burning tests.
Fogging Performance
Certain components of automotive interiors contain low-molecular-weight volatile substances. These substances are not only harmful to human health but also tend to condense on windows and windshields when heated, forming a phenomenon known as "hoar frost," which severely impairs the driver's visibility. Therefore, automotive interior materials must possess adequate fogging resistance. Currently, major automotive manufacturers have their own corporate standards for testing the fogging performance of components. In China, the primary standard employed is QB/T, "Leather - Physical and Mechanical Tests - Determination of Fogging Characteristics."
Lightfastness and UV Resistance
Automotive interior materials may experience fading and degradation after prolonged exposure to sunlight and thermal cycling, significantly affecting their service life and aesthetic appeal. Consequently, these materials must exhibit satisfactory lightfastness and UV resistance. Common evaluation methods include xenon arc lamp aging tests, carbon arc lamp aging tests, and simulated UV light aging tests.
