Sensory analysis methods for plastic materials

Sensory analysis has already been used for several decades in the food industry. Its origins lie in the need for quality control methods, particularly for the taste of food products, in the absence of appropriate instrumental measurement methods .

Its field of application then broadened to include the cosmetics and perfume industries, and more recently the automotive sector.

Sensorial analysis is concerned with the perception of products by users. It involves capturing and exploiting information from our five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste), using "man" as the measuring instrument.

The parallel development of marketing techniques and needs has led it to become an important tool in the development of new products.

This article [AM 3 290] serves as an introduction to the sensory analysis of materials for automotive interiors covered in the fascicles and .

For more details on sensory analysis methods, please refer to the Techniques de l'Ingénieur reference .