In House Fastness Testing
In House Fastness Testing
In House Fastness Testing
In fact the perspiration is found to be either slightly alkaline or acidic in nature. When fabric is subjected to this alkaline or acidic
perspiration continuously some times the tone and depth of the dyed shade gets affected.
We can see how this change can be tested by artificially simulating the perspiration condition.
As all chemicals are available in the market this can be synthesized in house. This should be prepared daily due to fungal growth. For
better and accurate results it is recommended to use the analytical grade chemicals always (These are expensive than the common
quality).
Step 02 : Testing
AATCC and ISO are some of main method developers and these methods available to be purchased.
Following method has developed using several references as an economical proposal.
Fabric pieces (specimen) with adjacent multifibre fabrics (We can set a standard by Cotton/Wool/Silk/PES/Viscose/Acrylic/Polyamide or
buy from a supply house) are dipped in both acidic and alkali sweat for 30 minutes at 30C. Naturally drain at 30 minutes and placed 4
hours under 4.5 Kg weight at body heat (37C).
For better results Perspirometer can be used to apply a constant weight. Separate Perspirometer units can be used for alkaline and acidic
tests to avoid chemical interaction.
Also an Incubator will be useful to store-in under standard condition.
Perspirometer
Incubator Oven
After drying, staining of adjacent fabrics would be compared with a Grey Scale.
It is an option to use Okeo Tex Standard 100, one of the popular eco-labels in use, recommends certain levels of fastness requirements
for textiles.
S.No Parameter
Baby
Wear
Water
Perspiration - Acidic
3-4
3-4
3-4
Perspiration - Alkaline
3-4
3-4
3-4
Rubbing dry
Saliva
The fastness ratings shown are all on staining scale and not change in shade.
Then we can compare the multifibre fabric with the Grey Scale for Assessing Staining.
Grey Scale for Assessing Staining
The scale consists of nine pairs of gray color chips each representing a visual difference and contrast.
5, 4-5, 4, 3-4, 3, 2-3, 2, 1-2, 1.
Note 5 = no visual change (best rating)
Note 1 = a large visual change (worst rating).
Step 02 : Testing
Fabric piece with adjacent filter paper is dipped in artificial saliva for 30 minutes at 30C. Naturally drain at 30 minutes and placed 4 hours
under 4.5 Kg weight at body heat (37C).
Then we can compare the filter paper with the Grey Scale for Assessing Staining.
Discussion :
If we would like to go for a standard method AATCC or ISO will be an option. All the methods and requirements can be purchased from
them. There are several suppliers for the instruments with their certification.
If we need to implant the in-house method we can start at basic level and step up gradually. At the start it would be better to compare
results with a lab report ensuring the accuracy of the method.