ISO 12219-12:2025

Overview

ISO 12219-12:2025 - Interior air of road vehicles - Part 12 defines standardized test methods for determining fogging characteristics of trim materials made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane used in automobile interiors. The methods measure volatile constituents that condense on cooled surfaces and quantify their visual effect (fogging) and mass of condensable material. This standard is part of the ISO 12219 series addressing interior air quality and emissions from vehicle trim.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: Heating a test specimen in a glass beaker and collecting volatile condensate on a cooled float-glass plate or aluminium foil disc.
• Fogging value (F): Calculated as the percentage ratio of gloss of the glass plate with condensate to the gloss of the clean plate, measured using a 60° gloss meter per ISO 2813.
• Mass of condensable constituents (G): Determined gravimetrically by the mass difference of aluminium foil discs before and after exposure.
• Apparatus & conditions:
  • Thermostatically controlled oil bath or air chamber (operation up to ~130 °C; temperature stability ±1.0 °C).
  • Cooling plates to maintain condensate surface near 21 °C.
  • Float-glass plates (thickness ≈ 3 mm; consistent gloss within ±2 % units).
  • Reference liquid: diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) for validation.
  • Precision balance (scale divisions 0.01 mg), dishwasher for cleaning, sealing rings, filter paper, spacers for gloss measurement.
• Sample preparation: Typical specimen diameter (80 ± 1) mm, thickness up to 10 mm; specific cutting, conditioning and placement requirements.
• Limitations: Not accurate when condensate has very low surface tension (forms transparent film) or when excessive condensate forms a heavy oily/clear film - in these cases gravimetric methods are preferred.

Practical applications and users

• Automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers: Evaluate and validate interior trim materials (PVC, polyurethane) for visibility and passenger comfort concerns due to fogging.
• Material manufacturers: Screen raw materials (liquids, pastes, powders, solids) and finished products for volatile condensable emissions.
• Independent testing laboratories: Provide reproducible fogging data for specs, supplier qualification and compliance testing.
• Indoor air and vehicle-cabin air quality specialists: Assess contribution of trim materials to interior contamination and optical impairment.
• Regulatory and conformity assessment bodies: Use standardized methods for product requirements and safety guidance.

Related standards

• ISO 2813 - Paints and varnishes: determination of gloss (used for measuring fogging value).
• Other parts of the ISO 12219 series covering interior air of road vehicles (refer to ISO catalogue for full list).

Keywords: ISO 12219-12:2025, fogging characteristics, PVC trim, polyurethane trim, automotive interior, fogging test, gloss value, DIDP, condensable constituents.