Overview
ISO 6915:2019 - Flexible cellular polymeric materials - Polyurethane foam for laminate use - Specification - defines minimum requirements for flexible polyurethane foam up to 20 mm thick intended to be laminated to substrates (non‑woven, woven or knitted fabrics). The standard specifies three foam types by chemistry and mechanical performance:
- Type 1: polyether
- Type 2: polyester, elongation at break ≥ 200%
- Type 3: polyester, elongation at break ≥ 300%
ISO 6915:2019 includes appearance, dimensional tolerances, mechanical and aging performance, cell‑count and solvent‑swelling test methods (Annex A and Annex B), plus packaging and marking requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Appearance and defects: Uniform cell network; free from flaws, stains and holes > 3 mm through thickness. Limits on number of 1.5–3 mm holes per 60 m2.
- Dimensions and tolerances: Nominal thickness agreed between parties; tolerances (examples):
- < 4 mm: +0.3 / −0.2 mm
- ≥ 4 mm: +0.5 / −0.3 mm
Width and roll length tolerances are specified and agreed between purchaser and supplier.
- Apparent density: Measured per ISO 845; tolerance ±10% of the agreed nominal value.
- Cell count: Expressed as cells per 100 mm, determined by the method in Annex A; tolerance ±10% unless otherwise agreed.
- Mechanical performance (Table 3):
- Initial tensile strength (kPa) minima: Type 1 = 100; Type 2 = 120; Type 3 = 160 (ISO 1798)
- Initial elongation at break (%) minima: Type 1 & 2 = 200%; Type 3 = 300% (ISO 1798)
- Retention after humidity and heat ageing (ISO 2440): tensile strength and elongation ≥ 80% of initial values.
- Solvent swelling (Annex B): Temporary and permanent swelling limits after immersion in perchloroethylene (or agreed solvent); detailed procedure and formulae provided.
- Packaging & marking: Manufacturer ID, batch number, nominal thickness/width/length, and ISO 6915 document/type must be marked.
Applications and practical value
ISO 6915:2019 is intended for specifying foams used as sheets for laminating with textiles and other substrates to produce laminated materials. Typical practical uses include quality control, material specification, supplier contracts and acceptance testing for laminated components in industries that require foam-to-fabric assemblies.
Who should use this standard
- Foam manufacturers and compounders
- Laminate and textile converters
- Product designers and specifiers
- Quality control and test laboratories
- Procurement and standards writers
Related standards
Normative references included in ISO 6915:2019:
- ISO 845 - Determination of apparent density
- ISO 1798 - Tensile strength and elongation at break
- ISO 1923:1981 - Determination of linear dimensions
- ISO 2440 - Accelerated ageing tests
Keywords: ISO 6915:2019, polyurethane foam, flexible cellular polymeric materials, foam for laminate use, polyether foam, polyester foam, tensile strength, elongation at break, cell count, solvent swelling, apparent density.