Overview
ISO 14419:2010 - Textiles - Oil repellency - Hydrocarbon resistance test defines a standardized laboratory method to evaluate a textile substrate’s resistance to absorption by a selected series of liquid hydrocarbons of differing surface tensions. The standard produces an oil repellency grade, a comparative index that helps assess oil stain resistance of fabrics and finishing treatments. ISO 14419:2010 is intended for comparative testing (e.g., finishes, wash durability) and is not an absolute predictor of staining by all oily materials or of resistance to penetration by oil‑based chemicals.
Key topics and requirements
- Test principle: Place measured drops of standard hydrocarbon test liquids on the fabric and observe for absorption, wicking or contact-angle loss. The highest-numbered liquid that does not wet the substrate within 30 ± 2 s gives the oil repellency grade.
- Standard test liquids: A series of hydrocarbons (e.g., white mineral oil, 65:35 white mineral oil:n‑hexadecane, n‑hexadecane, n‑tetradecane, n‑dodecane, n‑decane, n‑octane, n‑heptane) are used. Purity and storage (20 ± 2 °C, max 3-year shelf life) are specified because surface tension affects results.
- Specimens and conditioning: Use three specimens ≈20 cm × 20 cm, conditioned at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 4) % RH per ISO 139 for at least 4 hours.
- Procedure details: Apply ~5 mm diameter (~0.05 ml) drops at five locations per test liquid, 4 cm apart, with droppers ~0.6 cm above the surface. Observe each drop for 30 ± 2 s; inspect reverse side for wetting. Up to six liquids may be tested per specimen.
- Evaluation rules: A pass requires ≥3 of 5 drops to remain clear and well‑rounded; failure is ≥3 drops showing complete wetting or wicking. Borderline passes are handled as 0.5 grade increments. When two specimen grades differ, a third test and median reporting rules apply.
- Apparatus & consumables: Dropping bottles with pipettes, neoprene bulbs (cleaned), and white textile blotting paper of specified thickness/absorbency.
- Safety: Hydrocarbons can be flammable and hazardous - use ventilation, gloves, and safety glasses.
Applications
- Comparative evaluation of oil‑repellent finishes and treatments
- Quality control in textile finishing and coating processes
- Assessing effects of washing or drycleaning on oil repellency (refer to ISO 6330 / ISO 3175 for laundering)
- R&D for hydrophobic/oleophobic textile development
Who uses this standard
- Textile manufacturers and finishers
- Independent testing laboratories and QC teams
- Chemical finish formulators and textile R&D labs
- Apparel brands assessing stain resistance of fabrics
Related standards
- ISO 139 (conditioning and testing atmosphere)
- ISO 6330 / ISO 3175 (washing and drycleaning procedures)
- ISO 6530 (resistance to penetration by liquid chemicals - for penetration testing rather than repellency)
Keywords: ISO 14419, oil repellency, hydrocarbon resistance test, textile oil stain resistance, oil repellency grade, hydrocarbon test liquids, textile testing.