In recent years a significant increase in the use of natural fiber filled composites in automotive manufacturing has been observed. Natural fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, cotton, wood and others were combined with polymer matrices such as polypropylene, polyurethane, epoxy resin or acrylic resin in order to produce lighter components, used mainly for car interiors, for instance as side panels, door trims, trunk floors and many others. Mechanical properties, surface appearance, flammability, emissions and odor of the composites are subject of many investigations of the new class of materials. Odor and emission characteristics of composites used in car manufacturing play animportant role in decisions for their application, and they require special measuring methods during product development and for quality control. It is the goal of the automotive industry to deliver an emission and odor free car to the customer. Although it is hoped that an electronic nose can soon be introduced, the standard characterization method for odor measurements is still based on the human nose. Odors can come from the matrix, the natural fiber or from the combination of both. In order to detect possible sources of odors and to reduce the amount of emission or the intensity of odors a close cooperation between suppliers of basis materials and of the natural fibers is required. Different materials used in car manufacturing and methods for odor reduction are described in the paper.
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