Relationships between 3D roughness parameters and visuotactile perception of surfaces of maritime pinewood and MDF

Abstract

Abstract The objective measurement and subjective estimation of the surface quality by the consumers are important issues for furniture production and marketing. The objective of the present study is to find suitable (objective) roughness parameters that are linked to human sensation. Maritime pinewood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) made from the same species are in focus. The roughness was measured by means of a 3D confocal profilometer and 13 independent 3D roughness parameters were computed. The quality of surfaces was modified through sanding, whereas the grit size of sand papers ranged between P60 and P320. The applied pressure and sanding time were controlled. The subjective estimation of the surface aspects was performed by several individuals through sensorial analysis. Biplots of several roughness parameters versus tactile rank revealed in the case of MDF a significant correlation to arithmetical average roughness S a and valley material component S r2. For pinewood, the parameters arithmetical average roughness S a and texture aspect ratio S tr correlated best to tactile rank.