Fabric Testing Standard Method in Details

Kazi Md. Rashedul Islam
B.Sc-in-Textile Engineering (DUET)
Author & Founder: TextileTrainer.com
Email: Textiletrainer@gmail.com

Introduction:

Clothing, decoration, and industrial applications have extensively used fabrics made from natural and manufactured fibers. It is important to note that fiber quality, yarn construction, fabric structure, and any treatment applied to the materials all contribute to the physical and mechanical properties of these fabrics. Different end-use applications are assessed for fabric performance parameters. In this article, I will discuss the fabric testing standard method.

Keywords: Testing standard method, Fabric Testing standard method, textile testing method, standard testing method, Standard test method, Fabric testing

Accreditation of Laboratory for Textile Testing:

1.  International Standards: GATT, IEC, ISO

2.  American Association of Dyeing and Chemical Authors: AATCC

3.  Regional Standards: ARSO, CEN, ASAC

4.  Japanese Industrial Standards: JIS

5.  Chinese National Standard: GB/FZ

6.  American National Standard: ASTM

7.  British National Standard-BS

Testing Standard Method:

Many different organizations develop testing methods for textiles and textile products. These methods typically respond to the needs expressed by manufacturers, product users, or occasionally by consumers. The textile testing standard method depends on buyers. Because different buyers use different standard testing methods. Here I listed below some popular textile testing methods-

1.  ISO- International Organization for Standardization.

2.  ASTM- American Society of Testing & Materials.

3.  AATCC- American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.

4.  BIS- Bureau of Indian Standards.

5.  EN- European Norms.

6.  BS- British Standards.

7.  BS EN- British standard for European Nations.

Fabric Testing Standard Method

In this article, our main focus point is to learn about the fabric testing standard methods. We will try our best to cover the following test and see which fabric testing standard method is used. Let’s Start.

1.  Tensile strength.

2.  Seam strength and seam slippage.

3.  Stretch properties.

4.  Fabric bending.

5.  Weight and thickness.

6.  Tear strength.

7.  Burst strength.

8.  Abrasion resistance

1. Tensile Strength:

The tensile strength of the fabric is defined as the maximum stretch force at which the fabric begins to break under stretching conditions. Measurement of tensile stress-strain properties is the most common mechanical properties of the fabric. Some common fabric standard testing methods for tensile strength are given below:

• ISO 13934-1:1999: textiles-part1- Tensile properties of fabric: In this way, determination of maximum force and stretching at maximum force using the strip method.
• ISO 13934-2:1999: textiles-part 2- Tensile properties of fabrics: In this mode, determination of maximum power using the grab method.
• ASTM D5034-95: Fabric standard testing method for breaking force and elongation of textile fabrics (grab test).
• ASTM D5035-95: Fabric standard testing method for breaking strength and elongation of textile fabrics (strip test).
• AS 2001.2.3.1-2001: Physical test- In this fabric testing method, determination of maximum force and elongation at maximum force using the strip method.

2. Seam Strength and Seam Slippage:

The quality and performance of a sewn garment depend on seam slippage and seam strength. failure of the seam of the garment by breaking of sewing thread or seam slippage can affect on the quality of garments. The most commonly used standard testing methods are listed below:

• ASTM D1683: Standard test method for failure in sewn seams of woven fabric, 1990.
• ASTM D 751: Seam strength, 1995
• BS 3320:1988: Method for determination of slippage resistance of yarns in woven fabrics. (seam method).
• AS 2001.2.20-2004: Determination of seam breaking force in this testing method.

3. Stretch Properties:

Fabric stretch properties test is important for stretch fabric and elastic fabric. Elastic fabric is made from an elastomer combination with other textile materials. Elastomers include polymers such as rubber, polyurethanes, polybutadiene, and polyisobutylene. Standards commonly used for fabric stretch tests are given below:

• ASTM D2594-2004: In this method, the Standard test method for stretch properties of knitted fabrics having low power.
• ASTM D3107-1980: Here, the Standard test method for stretch properties of fabrics woven from stretch yarns.
• ASTM D6614-2007: Standard test method for stretch properties of textile fabrics-CRE method.
• BS 4952-1992: Methods of test for elastic fabric.

4. Fabric Bending

The cloth bending test measures the severity of the flexing action of fabric. This test can vary from bending the fabric sharply to bending it over a large radius and small amplitude. Standards commonly used for the fabric bending stiffness test are as follows:

• ASTM D1388-2007: Standard test method for stiffness of fabrics.
• BSI BS 3356-1991: Determination of bending length and flexural rigidity of fabrics.
• AS 2001.2.9-1977: Determination of stiffness of cloth.

5. Weight and Thickness

Fabric weight can be measured by a mass per unit area or a mass per unit length. On the other hand, the thickness of the fabric is one of the basic properties. The thickness of the fabric gives some information on its warmth, weight, and stiffness. The standard methods used for fabric weight and thickness are given below:

• ASTM D3776-96 (2002): In this method, standard test methods for mass per unit area of fabric.
• ISO 3801-1977 Textiles: Determination of mass per unit length and mass per unit area (Woven)
• AS 2001.2.8-2001: Determination of mass per unit area and mass per unit length of fabrics.

6. Tear Strength

The tearing of a fabric can appear in a wide range of products and is involved in tiredness and an abrasion process as well as the destructive growth of a cut on application of a force. Tear force is the tensile force required to start, continue, or propagate a tear in a cloth under specified circumstances. The standards used worldwide for fabric tear strength are:

• ISO 4674-1998 Part-1: Determination of tear resistance.
• ISO 13937-3-2000 Textiles- Tear properties of fabric-part 3: Determination of tear strength of wing-shaped test specimens.
• ISO 13937-1-2000 Textiles: Determination of tear force using the ballistic pendulum method
• BS 3424 Method 7C- Single tear. (1973)
• EN 1875-3 part-3: Determination of tear resistance.
• ASTM D1423-83: In this method, determine the tear resistance of woven fabrics by a falling pendulum.

7. Burst Strength

In Burst strength, perpendicular force is applied to the fabric until it ruptures. The force is normally applied using a hydraulically expanded diaphragm or ball. This test is carried out in knit fabric. The relevant standard testing methods commonly used are listed below:

• ISO 3303-1995: determination of bursting strength.
• ISO 2960 Textiles: In this testing standard method, determination of bursting strength and bursting distension (diaphragm method).
• BS 4768: This method is for the determination of the bursting force and bursting distension of fabrics.
• BS 3424: Methods of test for coated fabric (wounded burst test)
• ASTM D3787: Standard test method for bursting strength of knitted goods. (CRT)
• AS 2001.2.19-1998: Determination of bursting forces of textile fabrics (ball burst method)

8. Fabric Abrasion Resistance:

The definition of fabric abrasion is defined as the wearing away of any part of the fabric by rubbing it against another surface. Fabric is subjected to abrasion during their lifetime. As a result, fabric loses its strength, damage, deterioration, and loss of performance. Many different standard testing methods are widely used for fabric abrasion resistance tests, including:

• ASTM D3884: Standard guide for abrasion resistance of textile cloths. (rotary platform, double head method).
• ASTM D4966-1998: standard test method for abrasion resistance of textile fabric. (Martindale abrasion tester method)
• ISO 12947-1-1998 Textiles (Part 1): Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by Martindale method.
• ISO 12947-2-1998 Textiles (Part 2): Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by Martindale method.
• AS 2001.2.25.1-2006:  Physical Tests: Here, determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method. (Martindale abrasion testing apparatus).
• AS 2001.2.25.2-2006 Physical Tests: Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method. (Determination of specimen breakdown).
• AS 2001.2.25.3-2006 Physical Tests:  Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method. (Determination of mass loss).

Conclusion:

The test result of fabric can be used to simulate and predict fabric performance in use. So we have to follow the fabric testing standard method. In this article, I focused only on physical and mechanical tests of fabric with the fabric testing standard method. If you have any questions about these articles, let me by the comments box.

References:

1.      Booth, J. (2008). Principles of Textile Testing. New Delhi: BS Publishers & Distributors.

2.       P. Angappan, R. G. (2009). Textile Testing. Tamil Nadu: S.S.M. Institute of Textile Technology.

3.       Wang, L. C. (2008). Physical and mechanical testing of textiles. In Fabric Testing (pp. 90-124). New York: Woodhead Publishing Limited.