ISO 17229:2016

Overview

ISO 17229:2016 specifies a standardized method for determining the water vapour absorption of leather. This international standard is essential for assessing how much water vapour leather materials can absorb, a critical factor for comfort and performance, especially in footwear uppers and linings. Developed by ISO in collaboration with the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) and European standard bodies, this document provides a reliable physical test to ensure quality leather properties related to moisture management.

The standard is applicable to all types of leather, though it is particularly significant for leather used in footwear, where breathability and vapor absorption greatly influence wearer comfort.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: Applies to all leather types; crucial for footwear uppers and linings.
• Test Principle: Measurement of water vapour absorption via change in mass after exposure to water vapour in a controlled container.
• Sampling & Preparation:
  • Test pieces are cut using a press knife as per ISO 2418 and conditioned according to ISO 2419.
  • Conditioning and sample preparation must be precisely controlled to ensure reproducibility.
• Testing Apparatus:
  • Cylindrical metal or glass containers designed for holding water samples.
  • Accurate balance for weight measurements up to 0.001 grams.
  • Impermeable discs to cover the leather sample during testing.
  • Vernier callipers to measure dimensions.
• Procedure Highlights:
  • Leather pieces are clamped over a container with water for 8 hours at a controlled temperature (20 °C ± 2 °C or 23 °C ± 2 °C).
  • Mass before and after exposure is used to calculate water vapour absorption.
• Results Expression:
  • The water vapour absorption is expressed in milligrams per square centimetre.
  • Water vapour number may be calculated by combining absorption data with permeability data from ISO 14268.
• Test Reporting:
  • Reports must reference ISO 17229.
  • Include results, sample details, test conditions, and any deviations.

Applications

• Footwear Industry: Ensures leather uppers and linings provide adequate moisture absorption, improving comfort and durability of shoes.
• Leather Manufacturing: Quality control for developing leather products sensitive to moisture performance.
• Textile and Fashion: Helps designers select leather materials that balance breathability and protection.
• Material Research: Used in laboratories to analyze leather's physical properties under vapor exposure.
• Consumer Goods: Assurance for end-users regarding leather products’ performance in moisture absorption and overall wear experience.

By following ISO 17229:2016, manufacturers and laboratories can standardize water vapour absorption testing to produce consistent, reliable leather quality data, enhancing product development and consumer trust.

Related Standards

• ISO 2418 – Leather: Chemical, physical and mechanical, and fastness tests – Sampling location.
• ISO 2419 – Leather: Physical and mechanical tests – Sample preparation and conditioning.
• ISO 3696 – Water for analytical laboratory use – Specification and test methods.
• ISO 14268 – Leather: Physical and mechanical tests – Determination of water vapour permeability.

These related standards complement ISO 17229 by providing comprehensive methods for sample handling, conditioning, water quality for testing, and permeability measurement-key components in evaluating leather’s moisture-related properties.

Keywords: ISO 17229, water vapour absorption leather, leather testing standard, footwear leather testing, moisture absorption leather, leather quality control, ISO leather standards, water vapour determination, leather breathability test, leather physical tests.