Investigation of Selected Tactile and Thermal Characteristics of Upholstery Fabrics

To facilitate appropriate selection of fiber, fabric and product variables (fiber content, fabric structure and product design) during manufacture it is desirable to know what, if any, relationships exist among the fiber, fabric, tactile and thermal properties and acceptability of fabrics. This information would allow targeting of products towards specific end-uses such as upholstery. Possible interrelationships among selected objective (temperature, humidity) and subjective factors (tactility, thermal acceptability, satisfaction), product acceptability and subject preferences for a range of upholstery fabrics were examined Upholstery samples in seat cover form were assessed in a controlled environment of 23 ± 2°C, 55 ± 2% R.H. Tactile assessment was performed before and after controlled environment testing. Some small differences in tactile rankings before and after controlled environment testing did occur in the case of the wool/polyester samples. Distinct thermal acceptability, temperature and humidity profiles (both objective and subjective) were identified although these differences were not statistically significant. Significant differentiation among fabrics on the basis of thermal acceptability, temperature and humidity alone was not possible. Lack of significant differences among fabrics perceived temperature and wetness profiles suggested other variables influence consumer judgment of thermal acceptability over time. This was confirmed by subjects overall assessment of fabrics, which differed significantly among samples.

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