The odor perception of key degradation products of polyamide 6.6

• Psychophysical research on indoor air has not focused on the odor of degradation products of polymers in building materials, e.g. the polymer Polyamide 6.6. Three of its odorous degradation products, cyclopentanone, pentanoic acid, and 2-methyl-pyridine, were measured in the form of single chemical compounds and their four mixtures. The results from 15 participants’ scaling of perceived odor similarity and ranking of odor preference showed that the cyclopentanone odor is masked by the other odor(s) of its mixtures. A new odor quality was formed when pentanoic acid and 2-methyl-pyridine were mixed. The three chemical compounds, thus, provided for four unique odor qualities, as revealed in a PCA. Moreover, the odor intensity ranks confirmed intermediacy of odor mixtures relative to these same four unique odor qualities. Our results confirm the importance of degradation products of polyamide 6.6 as contributors to indoor air quality.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

odor perception

indoor air quality

measurement

Psychology

Psykologi

Psychology

psykologi

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vet (ämneskategori)

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