Getting from A to B is no longer the measure of a quality vehicle. From entry-level models to the more luxurious, the aesthetics and interior layout have a huge impact on buyer perception. Materials used for the interior must not only look sleek, but also leave the customer comfortable and feeling as though the car is well-crafted. Increasingly composites are incorporated into the automotive interior. They offer the benefit of greater durability, less weight and greater production efficiency. However, consumers generally prefer the look of natural materials such as leather (seating) and wood (paneling). When consumers touch composites that are made to look convincingly like these natural materials and yet they feel like plastic – disappointment or questions of quality can negatively impact the purchase decision. This feeling of touch is quantifiably measured in characterizing the thermal effusivity of the material with C-Therm’s unique ability to measure the property directly. Another example most can relate to is the use of synthetic leather upholstery vs fabric. While leather options tend to represent a superior class of vehicle, in hot climates the touch sensation of hot leather can be very disagreeable, and a fabric alternative may be the better option. C-Therm’s range of thermal conductivity and effusivity characterization equipment has a solution ready for your testing needs.
