ISO 9073-5:2025

Overview

ISO 9073-5:2025 - Nonwovens - Test methods - Part 5: Determination of resistance to mechanical penetration (ball burst procedure) specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure the resistance to mechanical penetration (ball burst strength) of nonwoven fabrics. It is intended primarily for nonwovens with elasticity where conventional burst tests are not suitable. The procedure defines specimen dimensions, apparatus, test conditions and reporting requirements to produce reproducible ball burst strength values.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: A polished steel ball is driven perpendicularly into a tensioned nonwoven specimen until rupture; the peak force is recorded as ball burst strength.
• Apparatus:
  • Constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) tensile-testing machine converted for compression mode and fitted with a ball burst attachment.
  • Polished steel ball typically 25.400 ± 0.005 mm diameter (spherical to 0.005 mm).
  • Ring clamp with internal diameter 44.500 ± 0.025 mm.
• Test settings: Crosshead (ball) speed 300 ± 10 mm/min unless otherwise agreed. Travel must be set so the ball penetrates the specimen without contacting the lower stage.
• Specimens & sampling: Minimum specimen size 125 mm square (or 125 mm diameter circle); sampling guidance references ISO 186 and optional inspection plans (ISO 2859-1, ISO 3951-1). Typically five specimens unless otherwise agreed.
• Conditioning & metrology: Condition specimens per ISO 139 (standard atmosphere) to moisture equilibrium before testing. Metrological confirmation of equipment follows ISO 10012:2003.
• Reporting: Test report must include reference to ISO 9073-5, specimen details, apparatus and ball/ring sizes, conditioning and environmental conditions, individual and mean burst forces (nearest 5 N), software/load-cell details, and any deviations or unusual observations.
• Precision: Annex A provides limited inter-laboratory precision information (study with three laboratories) and Annex B discusses causes of low precision.

Applications and practical value

• Quality control and specification verification for elastic nonwoven products where conventional burst tests are not applicable.
• Comparative performance testing for:
  • Hygiene products (e.g., elastic nonwoven layers)
  • Medical disposables and barrier fabrics with stretch
  • Technical nonwovens used in filtration, automotive and apparel applications with deformable structures
• Useful in R&D, contract testing laboratories, supplier qualification, and regulatory compliance where mechanical penetration resistance is a requirement.

Who should use this standard

• Textile and nonwoven manufacturers
• Materials R&D teams
• Independent testing and certification laboratories
• Procurement and quality assurance professionals specifying nonwoven performance

Related standards

• ISO 9073 series (other nonwoven test methods)
• ISO 139 (conditioning/atmosphere)
• ISO 186 (sampling)
• ISO 9092 (nonwovens vocabulary)
• ISO 10012:2003 (measurement management)
• ISO 2859-1 / ISO 3951-1 (sampling/inspection by attributes or variables)

Keywords: ISO 9073-5:2025, nonwovens test method, ball burst, resistance to mechanical penetration, burst strength, CRT tensile-testing machine, ring clamp, conditioning, sampling, test report.