| Abstract: | Possibilities of Odour Measurement and Reduction of Natural Fibre Plastics The critical attitude of the German public concerning environmental questions has also invaded the world of odours. The evaluation and reduction of odours when using plastic materials has gained increasing significance in the last years. The packaging industry that produces wrapping materials for food and other consumables was the first to test for odours. During the last years the automobile industry has also shown increased interest in pinpointing and measuring odours, not only because of the increased usage of natural fibre reinforced plastics in car interiors, but also because of the general increase of concern over clean air. Natural fibre reinforced plastics, besides having advantages compared to glass‐ and carbon reinforced materials (mechanical properties/weight, CO2‐equilibrium) also have properties that limit their application possibilities. Emissions and unpleasant odours at certain temperature and humidity conditions are of concern. To determine the origin of odour in bonded materials the single component, production step or their combination causing it has to be found. To achieve odour neutrality in plastics is difficult since production methods or additives can only be determined through prolonged testing and where the human nose is still more important than all the physical electronic measuring methods. The origin of odours and their importance for the well being and health of the population is questioned and forces not only the plastics industry to react. The is why both, plastics‐ and automobile industries are trying to react to the tendencies of the market place and it is the goal of the auto industry to deliver the most odour‐neutral new car. |
