PUR Foams as Sources of Emissions in the Vehicle Interior - Evaluation of the Present Situation and Modes of Reduction

The reduction of organic emissions from materials within the vehicle interior has noticeably contributed to the comfort of automobile customers over a period of approximately 20 years. Classes of materials that have been improved in this manner are soft PVC films, SMC, leather, textiles and, to cite a recent example, polyester wood coatings. PUR foams represent a class of materials that are widely used due to their outstanding and widely variable properties. However, they are still a source of undesirably high emissions as illustrated in a screening analysis by DaimlerChrysler. Raw materials manufacturers, processors and the automotive industry have made the first move towards concerted action. DaimlerChrysler has established goals and a schedule for substantially reducing emissions while retaining the beneficial properties of PUR foams.