Electroencephalogram and Psychological Response to Fragrance and Color of Citrus unshiu Scent-Infused Fabrics

This study examined compound sensibilities of fragrance and colors of the fabrics treated with microcapsules containing Citrus unshiu essential oil by electroencephalogram (EEG) responses and psychological evaluation. Cotton woven treated with 7 % (o.w.f.) of the microcapsules and 5 % (o.w.f.) of acrylic binder were used as specimens consisting of the combination of two fragrance intensities (low and high) and three color hues (white, greenish yellow, reddish purple). For EEG experimental, fourteen females participated in the measurement and their EEG responses were recorded before and during the exposure of stimulus. The findings showed that the beta wave was activated by Citrus unshiu-scented fabrics, and both of Citrus unshiu fragrance and color had significant effects of awakening the brain. Precisely, the beta wave was significantly reduced in the strong fragrance fabric with greenish yellow. For the psychological evaluation, thirty-five females including the panels for EEG evaluated with sensibility adjectives using labeled magnitude scale. The Citrus unshiu-scented fabrics were evaluated as natural and comfortable for their fragrance, but the fabric with greenish-yellow was evaluated as providing stronger and fresher fragrance and its beta wave was decreased remarkably. Therefore, Citurs unshiu scent-infused fabrics were felt more refreshing and reduced human’s stress when the fragrance was provided with a color that is reminiscent of the fragrance.