Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry Service

• Indoor air quality measurements
• Chamber emission tests
• Material analyses
• Standard test procedures
• Ash analyses
• Biocide analytics

Focal fields are set up by the emission of organic substances from modern preservation systems as well as of micro and nano particles. In this respect we are offering an extensive spectrum of special investigation methods. An important field of activity is the development of new analysis and sampling techniques as well as the construction of emission test chambers and emission cells. Analytics is carried out not only as a subtask within the framework of own research projects but also as a service for third parties. For these activities we dispose of the required equipment comprising modern and high-duty appliances.

Beyond the classical field of wooden products we are also investigating insulating materials, wall-coverings, paper products, textiles, plastics as well as building products made of mineral and synthetic materials. There are strongly growing contacts to the motor industry, the electrical industry, the airplane industry and the food industry. Actual focal fields of research pertain to the sensory evaluation of products for indoor application and the analysis of not easily volatilized organic compounds for which sampling is carried out using the fogging method, as well as measurements on laser printers. Moreover, we are dealing with general questions of indoor air hygiene and room climate. Referring to the results of the indoor air and house dust measurements the indoor air situation is evaluated on the basis of avail- able standard and reference values. The focus in this field is supplemented by investigations regarding the indoor air situation in cultural facilities.

Environmental and consumer protection are receiving substantial attention in the public discussion. This is, among others, exemplified by increasingly stricter environmental safety requirements for consumer products.

Beginning with the research on formaldehyde emissions from wooden products, new and important questions are to be solved at the WKI. Current projects are related to e.g. the release of organic compounds from indoor products, the measurement and characterisation of fine dust and nano-particles, the impact of catalytic surfaces on the reduction of indoor pollutants as well as pollutant control in cultural heritage. Important aspects are also the development of new sampling and analytical methods as well as the construction of emission test chambers. For these purposes the department is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.

The investigated materials cover a wide range from wooden products, plastics and building products to articles from the nutrition, electronic, automotive and aircraft industry. Furthermore, the department deals with general problems o* indoor climate and indoor air hygiene.

The department cooperates with various research facilities at home and abroad within a framework of cooperation agreements and scientist exchange programs. Particularly close contacts exist to the Faculty of Life Sciences at the Technische Universitat Braunschweig and to the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

• Test chambers and cells
• Emission testing of consumer and building products
• Formaldehyde and VOC/SVOC analysis
• Sensory and olfactory testing
• Measurements in museums and archives
• indoor air analysis and indoor climate
• Fine and ultraflne particles
• Catalytic reactions for air cleaning purposes
• Terpene/Ozone reactions
• Dynamics of volatile and semi-volatile organlcs
• Analysis of exhaled air
• Wood preservatives and other biocldes
• `Black magic dust` phenomena
• Risk and exposure evaluation