Identification of key odor-active compounds and development of odor wheels in rubber product industries using TD/GC-O-MS, OAV, and statistical analysis

Accurate identification of key odorants has become a challenging and urgent task due to the increasing severity of odor nuisance. This study aims to rapidly and accurately identify 20 key odorants in different rubber product industries and treatment procedures using a combination of sensory evaluation, gas chromatography–olfactory–mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), statistical analysis, and odor activity value (OAV) analysis. The identified odorants include alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, sulfides, aromatic compounds, alkanes, alkenes, and other compounds. These compounds are categorized as sour, odorous, bitter, rubbery, and foul rubber-like, which are commonly associated with odor pollution in the rubber product industry. An odor wheel specific to rubber product enterprises is developed by combining chemical analysis with sensory evaluation of odorants. This odor wheel can be used for rapid traceability and identification of odor pollution at industrial sites. Results present a novel approach and theoretical framework for the traceability and control of odor pollution in the rubber industry.