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This paper presents a novel partial flow sampling system for the characterization of airborne exhaust particle emissions. The sampled aerosol is first conditioned in a porous dilutor and then subsequent ejector dilutors are used to decrease its concentration to the range of the instrumentation used. First we examine the sensitivity of aerosol properties to boundary sampling conditions. This information is then used to select suitable sampling parameters to distinguish both the nucleation and the accumulation mode. Selecting appropriate sampling parameters, it is demonstrated that a distinct nucleation mode can be formed and measured with different instruments. Using these parameters we examine the performance of the system over transient vehicle operation. Additionally, we performed calculations of particle losses in the various components of the system which are then used to correct signals from the instruments.

Vehicle exhaust particles from diesel passenger vehicles were studied in terms of volatility and chemical composition. Condensation of semi-volatile compounds leads to particle growth during exhaust dilution and cooling. The particle growth was observed to be particle surface related. At higher vehicle speed and load some of the semi-volatile material forms nucleation particles that are dominating the particle number concentration. The nucleation mode is completely volatile at 180°C and consists mainly of sulfate. The amount of organic material is smaller. The organics/sulfate ratio is larger for the soot mode indicating an earlier condensation process of organics before they are incorporated in the nucleation process. Under typical atmospheric dilution conditions most of the semi-volatile material is present in the soot mode. The semi-volatile material evaporates at temperature between 130°C and 180°C.