Effect of thermal and ultraviolet exposure on volatile organic compounds emitted from basalt-hemp reinforced polypropylene

In recent years, the “new car smell” has been linked to materials off-gassing toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the chamber of vehicles. Previous studies collected air samples directly from the vehicle chamber and analyzed them using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). However, there is a lack of data regarding which materials are responsible for each compound and the resulting concentrations. This preliminary research was focused on analysis of VOC emissions emitted from basalt fiber and hemp hurd-reinforced polypropylene (PP) panels, glass fiber reinforced PP panels, and PP panels intended for interior automotive applications such as dashboards and door panels. The panels were subjected to various temperatures and UV radiation that may be experienced within a vehicle. Results showed increasing concentrations as temperature increased, and a reduction in off-gassing in the presence of UV radiation. The major compounds detected were acetaldehyde (<41 μg/m³), acetone (<29 μg/m³), and various alkanes (<6786 μg/m³). Overall, the concentrations detected from all panels were below the suggested standards and limitations.