Formaldehyde emissions from wallpaper and wallcoverings according to JIS A 6921:2014
JIS A 6921:2014
Principle
The Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 6921:2014 outlines the requirements for wallpaper and wallcoverings used in interior decoration, including the determination of formaldehyde emissions. This standard specifies two primary methods for assessing formaldehyde emissions: the desiccator method and the emission test chamber method
Desiccator Method (Clause 6.3.6)
Principle:
The desiccator method involves placing a test specimen in a sealed glass desiccator containing a specified amount of distilled or ion-exchanged water. Over a 24-hour period, formaldehyde emitted from the specimen dissolves into the water. The concentration of formaldehyde in the water is then determined using a colorimetric analysis based on the Hantzsch reaction, where formaldehyde reacts with ammonium ions and acetylacetone to form a yellow compound, diacetyldihydrolutidine (DDL).
Procedure:
- Prepare test specimens with a moisture content not exceeding 15%.
- Place the specimens in a glass desiccator along with a specified volume of distilled or ion-exchanged water.
- Seal the desiccator and maintain it at a controlled temperature of 20 °C ± 15 °C and relative humidity of 65% ± 20% for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove the water and analyze the formaldehyde concentration using the acetylacetone method
- Calculate the formaldehyde emission quantity, expressed in mg/L.
Performance Requirement:
The formaldehyde emission quantity should not exceed 0.2 mg/L. Products meeting this criterion are classified as grade F☆☆☆☆ (F Four Stars), indicating the highest level of formaldehyde emission control.
Emission Test Chamber Method (Annex A)
Principle:
This method assesses the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, from wallcoverings under controlled environmental conditions using an emission test chamber. The test simulates real-life conditions to evaluate the potential impact of emissions on indoor air quality.
Procedure:
- Place the test specimen in a 20-liter emission test chamber.
- Maintain the chamber at a temperature of 23 °C ± 1 °C, relative humidity of 50% ± 5%, and an air exchange rate of 0.5 air changes per hour.
- After a specified period, collect air samples from the chamber outlet.
- Analyze the samples to determine the concentration of formaldehyde and other VOCs.
- Calculate the area-specific emission rate, expressed in µg/m²·h.
Application:
While the desiccator method provides a quick assessment, the emission test chamber method offers a more comprehensive evaluation of emissions over time, making it suitable for products intended for environments with stringent indoor air quality requirements.
Specific Testing Conditions
Specific conditions concerning our testing reports