ASTM Standards to determine the durability of polyester fibers

To determine the durability of polyester fibers, several ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards are commonly used. These standards test different aspects of durability, such as abrasion resistance, tensile strength, tear strength, pilling, and chemical resistance.

Here are few ASTM standards applicable to polyester fiber durability:

1. Abrasion resistance

• ASTM D4966 / D4966M: Standard test method for abrasion resistance of textile fabrics (Martindale Abrasion Tester Method): This test evaluates the resistance of fabrics to rubbing wear. A fabric sample is rubbed against a standard abrasive under controlled pressure and motion. The number of cycles until the fabric shows noticeable wear is recorded. Higher cycles indicate greater abrasion resistance.  
• ASTM D4157: Standard test method for abrasion resistance of textile fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method): This test uses a cylindrical specimen rubbed against an abradant.  
• ASTM D3884: Standard guide for abrasion resistance of textile fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Abrader): This method uses rotating abrasive wheels to assess wear.  

2. Pilling resistance

• ASTM D3512 / D3512M: Standard test method for resistance to pilling and other related surface changes of textile fabrics (Random Tumble Pilling Tester): Fabric samples are tumbled randomly in a chamber with a lightly abrasive liner and cotton fibers to simulate wear. The degree of pilling is then visually assessed and rated against standard photographs.  
• ASTM D3511 / D3511M: Standard test method for pilling resistance and other related surface changes of textile fabrics (Brush Pilling Tester): A brush is used to rub against the fabric surface to induce pilling.  
• ASTM D3514 / D3514M: Standard test method for pilling resistance and other related surface changes of textile fabrics (Elastomeric Pad): An elastomeric pad rubs the fabric to cause pilling.  
• ASTM D4970 / D4970M: Standard test method for pilling resistance and other related surface changes of textile fabrics (Martindale Tester): Pilling is assessed using the Martindale machine at lower pressure.  

3. Tensile strength and elongation

• ASTM D5035: Standard test method for breaking force and elongation of textile fabrics (Strip Method): This test measures the force required to break a fabric strip and how much it stretches before breaking. Higher breaking force indicates greater strength.  
• ASTM D2256 / D2256M: Standard test method for tensile properties of yarns by the (Single-Strand Method): This test assesses the tensile strength and elongation of individual polyester yarns.

4. Tear Strength

• ASTM D1424: Standard test method for tearing strength of fabrics by Falling-Pendulum Type (Elmendorf) Apparatus: This test measures the force needed to propagate a tear in a fabric using a pendulum device.  
• ASTM D2261: Standard test method for tearing strength of fabrics by the tongue (Single Rip) procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine): This method uses a tensile testing machine to tear a fabric sample.  
• ASTM D5733: Standard test method for tearing strength of nonwoven fabrics by (Trapezoidal Procedure): Specifically for nonwoven polyester fabrics.  

5. Color Fastness

While not solely about durability, color fastness is crucial for the long-term appearance of textiles. Various ASTM standards (often aligning with ISO standards) assess color resistance to:

• Washing (ASTM D6672)
• Light (ASTM D4355, ASTM G155)
• Rubbing (Crocking) (ASTM D3659)
• Perspiration (ASTM D6672)

6. Dimensional Stability

• ASTM D3773: Standard test method for length and width of woven fabrics: Important for assessing shrinkage or stretching after washing.  
• Other ASTM standards address dimensional changes after specific treatments.

These ASTM standards provide valuable methods for quantifying different aspects of polyester fiber and fabric durability, allowing manufacturers and consumers to assess their suitability for various end uses. The specific tests chosen will depend on the intended application and the types of stresses the material is expected to endure.