ASTM D6014-00(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM D6014-00(2023): Standard Test Method for Determination of Dynamic Water Absorption of Leather Surfaces provides a reliable procedure to evaluate the dynamic water absorption properties of leather surfaces. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is primarily used to assess the effectiveness of water-resistant treatments on uncoated, light leathers, such as those used for gloves and garments, as well as to determine the water absorption capacity of insole materials. The results support manufacturers and quality control labs in measuring leather wettability and predicting end-user comfort, especially in footwear applications.

This international standard aligns with globally recognized standardization principles outlined by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Key Topics

• Dynamic Water Absorption Measurement: Outlines a test for the degree of wettability of leather surfaces, excluding "wet blue" leather.
• Test Procedure: Utilizes designated equipment (such as a Launder-Ometer or equivalent), test containers, and specific sample preparation procedures to ensure reproducibility.
• Units of Measurement: Inch-pound units are standard; metric equivalents are provided for reference only.
• Safety and Compliance: Reminds users to evaluate their safety, health, and environmental practices, as specific precautions are not addressed within the standard.
• Reporting: Specifies that absorbed water is to be reported to the nearest 0.01 gram.

Applications

The ASTM D6014 test method is widely applied in the following contexts:

• Water-Resistant Leather Treatment Evaluation: Manufacturers of gloves, garments, and other leather goods use this method to test the effectiveness of water-resistant finishes or treatments on light, unfinished leathers.
• Insole Material Testing: Footwear manufacturers apply this test to insole materials, providing an indicator of potential comfort or discomfort due to moisture absorption during wear.
• Quality Control: Laboratories use this standard method as part of leather quality assurance, ensuring materials meet specified performance criteria.
• Product Development: R&D teams rely on this dynamic water absorption metric to innovate and optimize leather products for enhanced water resistance and end-user comfort.

Related Standards

Applying ASTM D6014-00(2023) is often complemented by reference to other standardized test methods and practices, including:

• ASTM D1610: Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing - specifies sample conditioning requirements to ensure consistency.
• Federal Test Standard No. 311, Method 8151: The test method from which ASTM D6014 was developed.
• ISO and Other ASTM Standards: International and regional standards for leather testing and water resistance may be relevant, depending on regulatory and market requirements.

Practical Value

By providing a standardized, repeatable method for measuring water absorption in leather surfaces, ASTM D6014-00(2023) supports:

• Consistent Product Performance: Ensures leathers meet the water resistance needs for apparel, gloves, and footwear.
• Consumer Comfort: Helps manufacturers predict how products will perform in terms of water uptake and the resulting impact on wearer comfort.
• Global Trade and Market Access: Alignment with WTO principles helps facilitate acceptance in international markets by reducing technical barriers to trade.

Keywords: leather water absorption, dynamic water absorption, wettability, leather testing standard, water-resistant treatments, ASTM leather test, footwear comfort, quality control, leather industry standards, ASTM D6014