ISO 12947-4:1998

Overview

ISO 12947-4:1998 specifies a standardized procedure for assessing appearance change of textile fabrics using the Martindale method. Part 4 covers all textile fabrics - including nonwovens, stretch fabrics and fabrics with low expected abrasion life - and defines how to evaluate surface change caused by abrasion rather than breakdown or mass loss. The method uses the Martindale abrasion testing apparatus (see ISO 12947-1) and differs appreciably from ISO 12947-2 and ISO 12947-3 which focus on specimen breakdown and mass loss respectively.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: circular specimens are rubbed against a standard abrasive medium (abradant) following a Lissajous translational movement while the abradant holder may freely rotate; evaluation is by visual assessment of appearance change.
• Apparatus & materials: use the Martindale apparatus as defined in ISO 12947-1; replace abradant and foam backing for every test; inspect felt substrate after each test.
• Conditioning: standard atmosphere per ISO 139 - 20 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 5% RH.
• Specimen dimensions: test specimens at least 140 mm diameter (or length/width); abradant diameter 38 mm; felt substrate 140 mm diameter; foam backing 38 mm diameter.
• Loading and mounting: typical spindle/specimen holder mass of 198 ± 2 g; pressing weight for mounting felt/specimen 2.5 ± 0.5 kg (diameter 120 ± 10 mm).
• Test procedure: two assessment options - (a) test to an agreed number of rubs and assess whether appearance change has occurred, or (b) test until an agreed appearance change is reached and record the interval in which it occurred.
• Test intervals: recommended rub-intervals depend on expected wear (table guidance in the standard; e.g., short tests start at 16 rubs then every 8).
• Special preparatory methods: Annex A covers specimen preparation for elastane (stretch) fabrics and cord/pile fabrics (including preparatory rubs for backing-free pile fabrics).
• Reporting: include reference to ISO 12947-4, specimen details, test series used, basis of assessment, individual results and mean (with confidence limits), shade-change assessment (ISO 105‑A02) and any departures from standard procedure.

Applications and users

• Quality control and acceptance testing for apparel, upholstery and technical textiles
• Textile laboratories performing abrasion resistance and appearance durability testing
• Product developers, specifiers and procurement teams assessing fabric suitability for end‑use where surface appearance is critical
• Manufacturers documenting compliance and comparative performance using the Martindale method

Related standards

• ISO 12947-1 (Martindale apparatus)
• ISO 12947-2 (breakdown)
• ISO 12947-3 (mass loss)
• ISO 139 (conditioning atmosphere)
• ISO 105‑A02 (grey scale for colour change)
• ISO 2859-1 (sampling) and ISO 5725 (precision/statistics)

Keywords: ISO 12947-4:1998, Martindale method, abrasion resistance, appearance change, textile testing, nonwovens, specimen preparation, abrasion test.