Overview
ISO 105-B10:2011 - Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B10 - specifies a controlled procedure for artificial weathering of textiles using filtered xenon‑arc radiation. The method simulates solar spectral irradiance (CIE 85:1989, Table 4) and can include the action of liquid water and water vapour. It is intended to determine the weather resistance of colour (colour fastness) or to assess ageing behaviour of coloured and white (bleached/optically brightened) textiles under accelerated exposure.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Light source: Quartz‑jacketed xenon‑arc lamps with daylight filters to match solar spectral irradiance; irradiance‑controlled operation is required.
- Spectral fidelity: Spectral irradiance in UV bands (290–400 nm) must fall within the minimum/maximum limits referenced in the standard (benchmarked to CIE 85:1989). Note: UV (290–400 nm) represents about 11% of total irradiance (290–800 nm) for the target solar spectrum.
- Uniformity and control: Irradiance variation across the specimen area shall not exceed ±10% of the mean; specimens should be repositioned if required. Lamp and filter ageing and cleanliness must be managed.
- Environmental control: Test chamber must control irradiance, black‑standard or black‑panel temperature, chamber air temperature and relative humidity; wetting/humidification systems enable periodic liquid‑water exposures.
- Instrumentation: Radiometer (300–400 nm or at 340 nm), black‑panel/black‑standard thermometers, spectrophotometer, grey scale for visual assessment, and colour‑matching lamp for evaluation.
- Assessment methods: Colour change is assessed visually (grey scale) or instrumentally; ageing behaviour can be monitored by measuring a physical property (e.g., tensile strength) against an agreed ageing criterion.
- Procedure notes: Includes specimen preparation, mounting, exposure conditions, duration, and test reporting requirements.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Textile manufacturers and dye houses for product development and quality control of colour fastness.
- Independent test laboratories performing accelerated weathering and certification testing.
- R&D teams assessing the durability and ageing behaviour of fibres, yarns, finished fabrics, coatings and finishes.
- Brand and compliance managers specifying performance for outdoor, apparel, upholstery, technical textiles and white/brightened goods.
Practical outcomes include comparative ratings for colour change, prediction of outdoor performance trends, and data to support claims or material selection.
Related Standards (if applicable)
- ISO 105 (other parts): general principles and assessment aids (e.g., ISO 105‑A01, A02, A05)
- ISO 4892‑1 / ISO 4892‑2: Methods for exposure to laboratory light sources (general guidance)
- ISO 9370: Radiant exposure measurement guidance
- CIE publications (Colorimetry, solar spectral irradiance)
Keywords: ISO 105‑B10, artificial weathering, xenon‑arc, colour fastness, textile testing, accelerated aging, spectral irradiance, radiant exposure, grey scale.