Category: Test Methods

Purpose of Test This test spectrophotometrically determines the light-blocking properties of textile from light passing through windows and light seen on the darkened side of the textile, like a curtain or drape. The spectrophotometric method is applicable to various fabric types: Knits Woven Nonwoven Fabrics taken from end product items This test is not recommended… Continue reading AATCC 203 Light Blocking Effect of Textiles: Spectrophotometric Method

Purpose of Test This test measures the amount of water, enzyme, and any extractable organic-soluble components of the following materials used during textile processing: Fibers Yarns Fabrics containing cellulose fibers and cellulose blends Other types of fiber Terminology Defined Extractable Content – Chemical contents that can be extracted from the textile fabric. Amylase Solution –… Continue reading AATCC 97 Test Method for Extractable Content of Textiles

Purpose of Test The airflow method evaluates the drying rate of fabric based on its absorbent capacity. The test involves having a fabric absorb a given amount of water, applying a vertical airflow in controlled conditions, then testing the material.  This drying rate test is not recommended for textiles taken from: Socks Hosiery Terminology Defined… Continue reading AATCC 200 Drying Rate of Textiles at Absorbent Capacity: Air Flow Method

Purpose of Test This AATCC 90 test evaluates the ability of a textile to prevent growth of microorganisms. This estimates the antibacterial efficacy against various concentrations of microorganisms. This qualitative method determines the bacteriostatic activity on textiles that are treated with antimicrobials and are able to produce a zone of inhibition. This test has an… Continue reading AATCC 90 Antibacterial Activity: Agar Plate

Purpose of Test This test determines the resistance of the fabric from wearing away due to applied friction. Terminology Defined Abrasion – The process of wearing the textile surface away as a result of applied friction force. Abrasion Resistance – The measurement of how the fabric resists abrasion, leaving no trace of change in the… Continue reading AATCC 93 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics: Accelerotor

Purpose of Test This test evaluates the appearance of textiles after wrinkling. It is recommended for fabrics made with any fiber, or combination of it. This method can be used to test fabrics in their original and unwashed state, or after home laundering. Terminology Defined Wrinkle Recovery – The ability of the fabric to return… Continue reading AATCC 128 Wrinkle Recovery of Fabrics: Appearance Method

Purpose of Test This test determines the dimensional changes of fabrics after commercial laundering.  This test follows a range of washing procedures ranging from severe to mild to simulate various types of commercial laundering. Five drying tests procedures are used for the drying techniques. Such methods are not accelerated and must be repeated for accurate… Continue reading AATCC 96 Dimensional Changes in Commercial Laundering

Purpose of Test The colorfastness to burnt gas fumes evaluates the fabric’s resistance to color change and transfer when exposed to the atmospheric oxides of nitrogen from natural gas combustion. This test can be used for evaluating colorfastness of dyes by following a certain procedure that requires the application of given depths of color and… Continue reading AATCC 23 Colorfastness to Burnt Gas Fumes

Purpose of Test This test evaluates the resistance of fabrics to electrical current. This resistivity is influenced by the accumulation of electrostatic charge in fabric. Terminology Defined Electrical Resistivity – The measurement of how the fabric resists the electric current. Electrostatic Charge – The deficiency or excess of electrons on a textile surface. Electrical resistance… Continue reading AATCC 76 Electrical Surface Resistivity of Fabrics