ISO 6179:2017

Overview

ISO 6179:2017 specifies a gravimetric technique to determine the transmission rate of volatile liquids through rubber sheets and rubber‑coated fabrics. The standard applies to sheet materials and coated fabrics with thicknesses from 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm and is restricted to transmission rates greater than 0.1 g/m2·h. It defines two test methods (Method A and Method B), apparatus requirements, conditioning, test conditions and reporting rules for permeability testing of rubber to volatile liquids.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Permeability (transmission rate) of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber to volatile liquids diffusing into air; comparative testing of materials and liquids.
• Methods:
  • Method A (with refilling) - for mixtures of liquids that may change composition or have differing transmission rates.
  • Method B (no refilling) - for single‑component liquids.
• Apparatus:
  • Container assembly with filling/refilling valve(s) and a clamping ring; container volume 60 cm3–100 cm3 (approx.).
  • Balance capacity ≥ 200 g, accuracy 1 mg.
  • Optional stainless‑steel wire mesh support for high transmission or non‑fabric sheets.
• Specimen and sampling:
  • Circular test pieces, thickness typically 2.0 mm ± 0.2 mm for the standard piece; for finished products acceptable range 0.2–3.0 mm.
  • Use at least three test pieces per test.
• Test conditions:
  • Standard conditioning at 23 °C ± 2 °C / 50 % ± 5 % RH or 27 °C ± 2 °C / 65 % ± 5 % RH.
  • Typical test temperature 23 °C or 27 °C; optional elevated temperatures listed (40 °C, 55 °C, 70 °C, 85 °C, 100 °C).
  • Preferred test period 24 h ± 2 h (alternatives: 8 h, 16 h, 3 days, 7 days depending on rate).
• Calibration and reporting:
  • Calibration requirements and schedule in Annex A.
  • Results expressed as mass loss per area per time (g/m2·h); graphical and formula methods provided.

Applications and users

ISO 6179:2017 is valuable for:

• Quality control and acceptance testing of rubber sheets and coated fabrics.
• Comparative permeability testing during material selection and product development.
• R&D when evaluating compatibility of materials with solvents, fuels or other volatile chemicals.
• Laboratories performing regulatory or customer‑specification testing.

Typical users include rubber manufacturers, textile/coated‑fabric producers, independent testing laboratories, product engineers and material scientists.

Related standards

• ISO 2528 - water vapour transmission testing methods.
• ISO 2231 - conditioning of coated fabrics.
• ISO 23529 - specimen preparation and conditioning for rubber tests.
• ISO 2286‑3 - thickness measurement for coated fabrics.
• ISO 188 / ISO 18899 - ageing and calibration guidance for rubber test equipment.

Keywords: ISO 6179:2017, rubber transmission rate, volatile liquids, gravimetric technique, rubber sheets, rubber‑coated fabrics, permeability testing, Method A, Method B.