ISO 17190-7:2020

Overview

ISO 17190-7:2020 specifies a gravimetric test method to determine the capacity of polyacrylate superabsorbent powders (SAPs) used in urine‑absorbing aids for incontinence to absorb a 0.9 % saline solution under a specified enclosing pressure. The method quantifies absorption against pressure (AAP) by weighing a defined powder specimen before and after immersion under controlled pressure and time (60 minutes). This standard is part of the ISO 17190 series on urine‑absorbing aids and provides repeatable lab procedures for material characterization and quality control.

Key Topics

• Test principle: Evenly distribute a measured specimen of SAP on a bottom screen inside a PMMA cylinder, apply a PTFE piston and calibrated weight, place the cylinder on a ceramic filter plate saturated with 0.9 % sodium chloride solution, and after 1 hour reweigh to determine absorbed mass.
• Reagents and conditions: Uses grade‑1 laboratory water (ISO 3696) and a 0.9 % NaCl saline. Recommended laboratory climate is (23 ± 2) °C and (45 ± 15) % RH (per ISO 187). Conductivity checks and solution temperature guidance are included.
• Apparatus: PMMA cylinder (nominal internal diameter 60.0 ± 0.2 mm), PTFE piston, piston weight calibrated to deliver ~49 g/cm (≈4 805 Pa) pressure, ceramic filter plate (porosity per ISO 4793), balances with specified precisions, filter paper and timing devices.
• Sampling and handling: Procedures to homogenize samples (container rotation), avoid lumps >1 mm, and limit operator exposure to respirable dust (guideline 0.05 mg·m‑3).
• Calculation and reporting: AAP is reported as mass fraction (g absorbed per g SAP). Duplicate measurements and cleaning/conditioning steps are defined to ensure reproducibility.

Applications

• Quality control in the manufacture of incontinence products (adult diapers, pads, medical absorbents).
• Material specification and batch release testing for superabsorbent polymer (SAP) suppliers.
• R&D and performance benchmarking when developing new SAP formulations or evaluating absorbency under load.
• Regulatory or procurement evaluation where standardized, comparable absorbency data are required.

Who uses this standard

• Product manufacturers (personal care and medical device sectors)
• Materials laboratories and contract testing services
• SAP raw‑material suppliers and formulators
• Regulatory bodies and procurement teams requiring standardized performance metrics

Related Standards

• ISO 17190 series (other parts covering characterisation of absorbent materials)
• ISO 187 - conditioning and testing atmosphere
• ISO 3696 - water for analytical laboratory use
• ISO 4793 - filter plate porosity specification

ISO 17190-7:2020 delivers a practical, reproducible gravimetric method for quantifying absorbency under pressure, enabling consistent performance evaluation of SAPs used in urine‑absorbing aids.