Utilization of New Polyol Technology to Achieve Benefits in Dynamic Comfort and Durability Properties of Foam

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.