Overview
ISO 21626-3:2020 specifies the requirements and test methods for bamboo charcoal intended for air-purification applications. Bamboo charcoal is an eco-friendly, porous biomass product used to adsorb indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The standard targets consistent product quality for reliable performance in both domestic and industrial indoor air treatment.
Key Topics
- Scope and definitions: Defines bamboo charcoal for air purification (BCAP) and key properties including moisture content (MC), ash content (AC), fixed carbon (FC) and adsorption capacities.
- Grading and physical/chemical requirements: The standard sets graded requirements (I, II, III) for key parameters. Typical requirements include limits for:
- Moisture content (MC)
- Ash content (AC)
- Fixed carbon (FC)
- Formaldehyde adsorption capacity (FAC)
- Total VOC (TVOC) adsorption capacity
- Sampling and analytical methods: Sampling is to follow ISO 18135. Specific test methods referenced include:
- Sensory and visual inspection: Product shall appear black with no peculiar smell or foreign contaminants; visual checks are part of acceptance.
- Marking, labelling and packaging: Containers must show manufacturer, standard reference, production date and batch ID, net mass and grade. Usage instructions and storage precautions are required on the packaging.
Applications
ISO 21626-3:2020 is directly relevant to manufacturers, product specifiers, testing labs and procurement teams deploying bamboo charcoal for:
- Indoor air-purification products (filters, sachets, panels)
- Residential and commercial air quality mitigation
- Pre-treatment stages for HVAC and air-cleaning devices
Practical benefits include consistent adsorption performance for formaldehyde and TVOCs, clear acceptance criteria for suppliers, and aligned test methods to demonstrate compliance.
Related Standards
This part of ISO 21626 references and aligns with several established standards used for sampling and testing:
These referenced standards provide the validated analytical methods needed to verify compliance with ISO 21626-3:2020.
For practical implementation, follow the sampling and test-method cross-references in clause 6, label products as specified in clause 7, and store/transport packages to avoid moisture and sunlight damage as described in clause 8.
Keywords: ISO 21626-3:2020, bamboo charcoal, air purification, formaldehyde adsorption, TVOC, moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon, adsorption capacity.
