Odours emitted by adhesives are relevant to the market success of many commercial products manufactured with these materials. A positive odour perception is key in the branding of consumer goods; off-notes should be avoided during all stages of product development.
In this study, a state-of-the art approach was applied by integrating chemical/sensory analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled to a sniffing port (GC-Sniffing-MS). The aim of this research was to compare the odour characteristics of seven raw materials and two finished products of Henkel hotmelt adhesives used in baby diapers. The chemical identification and quantification of volatile organic compounds and their olfactive characterization was performed. Results showed clear differences in the samples’ chemical profile (odorous substances). Aliphatic hydrocarbons were the chemical group with the highest concentration and odour contribution (e.g., petrol, bitumen, solvent-like odours). Some aldehydes were also olfactory perceived and chemically quantified, such as acetaldehyde with a pungent and sweet odour.
Thanks to this study, appropriate measures could be taken to optimise the prototyping design and production process of hotmelt adhesives, considering the potential sensory impact on consumers as a decision factor.
Co-authors: Isabel Kaphahn, Luciano Vera, Holger Toenniessen, Andy Swain