ISO 9073-17:2008

Overview

ISO 9073-17:2008 defines a standardized spray-impact method to measure the resistance of nonwoven fabrics to penetration by water. The test evaluates water repellency and the effect of finishing treatments and fabric construction by measuring the mass of water that passes through a fabric and is retained on a pre-weighed blotting paper. Results are reported in grams (to 0.01 g) and can be used to compare materials, validate finishes and support quality control.

Key measurable parameters specified in the standard include:

• Specimen size: cut 175 mm × 325 mm (long dimension in machine direction)
• Blotting paper: 150 mm × 225 mm with tightly controlled absorbency and density per clause 5.1
• Test water: 500 ml distilled water at (27 ± 1) °C
• Clamp mass: modified clamp providing a total weight of 454 g
• Timing: weigh blotter before and immediately after spray; insert drip catcher 2 s after continuous flow stops

Key Topics

• Principle: The fabric is clamped over a pre-weighed blotting sheet; water is sprayed onto the fabric and the increase in blotter mass quantifies water penetration.
• Materials & apparatus: specific blotting paper characteristics, impact penetration tester (spray head, funnel, baffle), laboratory balance (0.01 g), stopwatch and drip catcher.
• Procedure highlights: condition specimens per ISO 139, follow sampling plan (ISO 3951-5), use specified water volume and temperature, avoid contamination that alters wetting.
• Calculation & reporting: report individual results, average and standard deviation; include material type, number of test pieces, testing conditions and any deviations.
• Reproducibility considerations: Annex A emphasizes sensitivity to blotting paper quality and apparatus calibration; poor blotter properties or incorrect calibration increase variability.

Applications

ISO 9073-17 is practical for:

• Quality control (QC): batch verification of water resistance for nonwoven products.
• Material selection: comparing water repellency across substrates or finishes.
• Finish evaluation: assessing effectiveness and durability of water-repellent treatments.
• Product development: predicting rain-penetration resistance for protective textiles and single-use goods.

The method supports objective, repeatable comparisons when prescribed materials and calibration procedures are followed.

Related Standards

• ISO 9073-1: Mass per unit area
• ISO 9073-2: Thickness
• ISO 9073-6: Absorption (referenced for blotter absorbency)
• ISO 9073-15: Air permeability
• ISO 9073-16: Resistance to penetration by water (hydrostatic pressure)
• ISO 139: Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing

Practical tip: use only blotting paper that meets clause 5.1 and ensure the impact penetration tester is calibrated to maintain reliable, reproducible results.