Abstract
PSM(powder Slush Modeling)-purpose TPU(Thermoplastic Urethane) that consists of either contained polyester polyol was developed a skin material of automotive instrument panel. In this paper, the properties of TPU were evaluated in comparison with TPO, PVC and PVC/ABS. The evaluated items are powder properties, material properties, and reliability properties. We also confirm the performance of air bag deployment. TPU and TPO are lightweight and have good soft feeling, which results from lower specific gravity and less surface hardness than PVC, PVC/ABS. And TPU and TPO can be considered to have wonderful safety factor in case of accidence, because of aviated particle free-ductility breakage while impact test at ?30. And, TPU has better soft feeling than TPO and can meet the specification of airbag deployment test. In considering of lightweight, soft feeling and safety, TPU can be considered as the most suitable skin material for instrumental panel.