ISO standards to determine the colorfastness of polyester fibers
When it comes to measuring the colorfastness of polyester fibers, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides a set of crucial standards within the ISO 105 series.
Specific areas where ISO standards apply to polyester fibers:
Colorfastness: The ISO 105 series is crucial for determining colorfastness. These standards detail test methods for how polyester fabrics react to various conditions like washing, rubbing, light, and perspiration.
Quantitative chemical analysis: ISO 1833 series: These standards deal with the quantitative chemical analysis of textiles, including those containing polyester. They provide methods for determining the composition of fiber mixtures.
For example: The ISO 1833-25 series specifically addresses the analysis of mixtures of polyester with certain other fibers.
Fiber ropes: ISO 1141: This standard specifies requirements for polyester fiber ropes. It covers aspects like construction, physical properties, and designation. This is very important in industrial applications.
Adjacent fabrics: ISO 105-F04: this ISO standard refers to polyester adjacent fabric. These adjacent fabrics are used in color fastness testing, to see how much color is transfered from the test fabric, to a standard fabric.
ISO 105-C series (colorfastness to washing): The ISO 105-C06 standard is widely used to assess the color's resistance to fading or bleeding during washing. This standard simulates domestic washing procedures.
ISO 105-X12 (colorfastness to rubbing): This standard evaluates the transfer of color from a textile to another surface through rubbing, commonly known as crocking. Evaluates the transfer of color from polyester fabric to another surface via rubbing (dry and wet).
ISO 105-B series (colorfastness to light): ISO 105-B01 and ISO 105-B02 are important for determining the resistance of textile colors to daylight and artificial light, respectively.
ISO 105-B02 (colorfastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test): This assesses the resistance of dyed polyester to fading when exposed to light (sunlight/artificial light
Colorfastness to water: This test method measures the effect of water on color bleeding or fading, important for polyester in wet conditions.
ISO 105-B04: Colorfastness to weathering (outdoor exposure): This test method determines the resistance to outdoor conditions (light + moisture) – essential for outdoor or technical polyester textiles.
ISO 105-D01: Colorfastness to dry cleaning: This test method is used for polyester fabrics that may undergo dry cleaning during their lifecycle.
ISO 105-E series (colorfastness to perspiration): ISO 105-E04 is used to assess the color's resistance to the effects of human perspiration, both acidic and alkaline. Assesses the stability of polyester dye when exposed to acidic and alkaline sweat – especially relevant for sportswear.
ISO 105-E03 (colorfastness to chlorinated water): This standard is used to measure the change of color of textiles of all kinds and in all forms, to the effect of chlorinated water.
Takeaways on ISO 105 standards:
- ISO standards are designed to ensure consistency and quality in various industries, including textiles.
- The ISO 105 series is particularly important for evaluating the performance of dyed polyester fabrics.
- ISO standards also cover the chemical analysis of the material, and also the performance of products created from the fibers, such as ropes.
- They provide standardized procedures for testing colorfastness.
- They ensure consistency and comparability of results across different laboratories and regions.
- They are essential for quality control in the textile industry.
Other useful tests
- ISO 105-C10: Colorfastness to washing with soap or soap and soda.
- ISO 105-E03: Colorfastness to chlorinated water (important for swimwear made of polyester).
- ISO 105-N01: Colorfastness to bleaching: hypochlorite.