A STUDY ON THE HANDLING OF URETHANE FOAMS

FACTOR ANALYSIS ON THE HANDLING QUALITY “KOSHI”

Abstract

“koshi” is one of the handling qualities. This term has been used not only in fabrics but in other ways only in Japan. We have discussed this quality on the fabrics, using a discriminant function analysis¹⁾.
In this paper, the relation between the sensory value for handling and the physical properties of foam material was investigated statistically using the method of factor analysis. Six urethane foam materials were selected as samples. Generally, the determinations of the physical properties corresponding to the handling have been taken a subjective view by the analogy of experience. But we afresh tried to sellect the physical properties for discussion on the objective data, and on these objective properties factor analysis were applied to define the mutual relations.
The results obtained as follows:
(1) The physical properties contributed to plus for the sensory value are gradient of compressive stress in the second linear part on S-S curves, modulus of compressive elasticity, toughness^*, restorative stress and restoration energy. Above all, gradient of compressive stress and modulus of compressive elasticity have expressly a close resemblance and a high correlation to the sensory value.
(2) Compressive energy and compressive stress contribute negatively for the sensory value.
(3) Gradient of compressive stress in the first linear part on S-S curves and gradient of restorative stress have no resemblance with the sensory value.
Further, the experts of foam finishing and inspection assessed the samples by the paired comparison.