Utilization of New Polyol Technology to Achieve Benefits in Dynamic Comfort and Durability Properties of Foam 2004-01-1713

As the primary interface between the car and the occupant, the automotive industry continues to seek improvement in polyurethane seating foam. The preferred seating material would able to combine a better appearance and an increased performance life with a reduction in occupant fatigue. This study reviews a new test that combines a dynamic fatigue test of durability with a characterization of dynamic comfort as measured by vibrational transmissivity. The results provided a means of comparing the comfort and durability performance of various polyol and isocyanate compositions when applied in foam grades of various density, firmness, and thickness combinations. A newly developed polyol was demonstrated to provide a superior level of durability and comfort at every level of density and firmness.