Purpose of test
This test uses fabric and water in a sealed jar to measure how much formaldehyde the specimen will release over time.
Terminology Defined
Colormetrics — Determining the nature and amount of a substance within water by the intensity of any color produced.
Test method
Materials Used for Test
- Fabric specimen
- Clear glass jar
- Incubator
- Water bath
Testing Procedure
- This test is especially useful for fabrics that are finished with formaldehyde-containing chemicals. These include those made from blended cotton, rayon, and synthetic blended polymers.
Test Procedure (Summary)
- Part 1: The fabric specimen is secured above the water solution in the jar, which is then sealed. The technician places it in an oven at a controlled temperature for a specified period of time.
- Part 2: Using a colorimeter, the technician measures the amount of color change in the water. This represents the amount of formaldehyde released by the fabric specimen.