ISO 14268:2023

Overview

ISO 14268:2023 - Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of water vapour permeability defines a standardized laboratory method to measure how much water vapour passes through leather. The standard describes two measurement procedures (Procedure A - the standard test method, and Procedure B - an accelerated method), alternative sample preparation options and the required apparatus and calculation for reporting water vapour permeability in mg/(cm²·h).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Determines water vapour permeability of leather and gives alternative sample preparation and measurement procedures.
• Two procedures:
  • Procedure A (Standard) - primary method to be used in disputes; longer duration and used for definitive testing.
  • Procedure B (Accelerated) - shorter, production-friendly method equivalent to ISO 20344 for routine control when agreed by contracting parties.
• Sample preparation: Three test pieces per batch, cut with a press knife. Optional pre-treatments simulate wear:
  • abrasion (P180 abrasive paper),
  • flexing (ISO 5402-1 flex method),
  • or no pre-treatment (preferred for suede/unfinished leather).
• Apparatus requirements: Vertically mounted rotating turntable, fan assembly, containers (neck ~30 mm), balance (0.001 g resolution), self-indicating silica gel (2–5 mm, oven-regenerated), sealing materials (beeswax or inert sealant), vernier callipers and timing devices.
• Test principle & measurement: Leather specimen sealed over a silica-gel-filled container is exposed to an air flow; moisture absorbed by the desiccant is determined from mass gain. Water vapour permeability (Pwv) is calculated from the mass change, container neck diameter and elapsed time (using the constant 7 639 for unit conversion).
• Reporting: Test report must reference ISO 14268:2023 and include mean Pwv (one decimal), sample preparation method, atmospheric conditioning, any deviations, sample ID, whether Procedure B was used, and test date.

Applications and practical value

• Quality control: Routine production checks for footwear, upholstery, garments and technical leathers using the accelerated Procedure B.
• Product development: Comparative performance testing between leather types, finishes and treatments to inform design and material selection.
• Compliance and dispute resolution: Use Procedure A as the definitive test in contractual or regulatory disputes.
• Research & certification: Material characterisation for breathability and comfort assessments.

Who should use this standard

• Leather manufacturers, footwear and apparel producers, testing laboratories, material scientists, product designers, and procurement/specification teams needing validated, repeatable measurements of leather breathability.

Related standards

• ISO 2418, ISO 2419, ISO 2589, ISO 5402-1 (referenced for sampling, conditioning, thickness and flexing); ISO 20344 (related accelerated procedure). IULTCS is recognized for preparing leather test methods.