ISO 17190-6:2020

Overview

ISO 17190-6:2020 is an ISO test method for measuring the fluid retention capacity of polyacrylate superabsorbent powders used in urine‑absorbing aids for incontinence. The standard specifies a gravimetric measurement after centrifugation in a 0.9 % saline solution and defines sample preparation, apparatus, test conditions and reporting requirements. It is part of the ISO 17190 series addressing polymer‑based absorbent materials.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Determination of fluid retention capacity (centrifuge retention) of polyacrylate superabsorbent powders in saline solution.
• Sample size and preparation: Typical test portions are 0.180–0.220 g of dry polymer placed in heat‑sealed nonwoven “teabags” (60 × 40 mm to 60 × 85 mm).
• Test liquid: 0.9 % (m/m) sodium chloride solution prepared using Grade 1/ISO 3696 water; recommended solution temperature ≈ 23 ± 2 °C. Check conductivity for consistency.
• Immersion and absorption: Teabags are submerged; polymers are allowed to absorb saline for 30 minutes.
• Centrifugation: Centrifuge at a centrifugal acceleration of 2 452 ± 50 m·s⁻² (≈250 g) for 3 minutes, then weigh wet teabags immediately.
• Blanks and balancing: Test includes two blank bags; blanks may be reused if material and sealing conditions are unchanged (but regular checks recommended).
• Calculation: Centrifuge retention capacity w (g/g) is calculated from the wet mass of sample bags, average blank mass, and dry sample mass; results are averaged for duplicate specimen values and rounded to 0.1 unit.
• Environmental control: Conditioning and testing are typically at (23 ± 2) °C and (45 ± 15) % RH (ISO 187).
• Safety: Handling precautions for respirable polymer dust (guideline values noted) and general laboratory safety are required.

Practical applications

• Quality control testing of superabsorbent powders used in diapers, adult incontinence products and medical dressings.
• R&D comparison of different polyacrylate formulations for fluid retention performance in physiological saline.
• Regulatory and procurement specifications where standardized, comparable retention data are required.
• Test laboratories that certify absorbent materials or provide performance data to manufacturers and brand owners.

Who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of superabsorbent polymers and absorbent hygiene products
• Independent testing and certification laboratories
• Product development and quality assurance teams in healthcare and consumer‑care sectors
• Regulatory bodies and procurement specialists specifying performance criteria

Related standards

• ISO 17190 (other parts) - series for polymer‑based absorbent materials
• ISO 187 - standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing
• ISO 3696 - water for analytical laboratory use

Keywords: ISO 17190-6:2020, polyacrylate superabsorbent powders, fluid retention capacity, centrifuge retention, saline solution, gravimetric measurement, urine-absorbing aids, incontinence testing.