The Tactile Assessment of Skin Materials in Automotive Interior

Abstract

Various surface materials are used in automotive interior. Occupants are in contact with those. In this study, a new tactile assessment method of genuine leather, suede, and woven was suggested. The tactile property of each material was investigated. The tactile property is affected by friction and compressive. The plane friction coefficients were quantified by the tactile meter. The compressive effect on tactile property was investigated by Kawabata evaluation system compression test. The results of plane friction assessment showed that the more luxurious surface materials were, the greater plane friction coefficients were. Among the same surface materials, the plane friction coefficients of luxurious grade were lower than those of general grade. In the compression test, there were no tendency by materials. The tactile properties of surface materials were more affected by plane frictional property than compressive property. This tactile assessment method suggested is expected to be applied to develop new products.