Softness Properties of Fabric-Like Tissues, 1994 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

J. J. Kim, R. L. Barker, I. Shalev

This research focuses on surface and structural features of fabric-like tissues that are related to softness sensation aroused when consumers are in contact with the material. It deals with the ability of Kawabata instruments to predict softness evaluations for a spectrum of commercially available paper towels. It relates perceived softness to the mechanical and surface characteristics of these materials measured using state-of-the-art instrumental techniques.

An efficient and informative protocol for subjective evaluation of paper towels was developed, using 1-99 intensity scale. The parameters generated using Kawabata instruments were sufficiently sensitive to derive softness related properties. KES testing protocols were developed for measuring paper towel mechanical properties related to softness perception. Surface roughness (SMD) and extensibility (EMT) were found to be the most important parameters affecting the softness perception. A random coefficient regression (RCR) model yields a reliable, predictive equation for subjective softness perception based on the selected KES parameters.