Overview
ISO 8096:2005 - “Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics for water-resistant clothing - Specification” defines performance, sampling and testing requirements for rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics used to produce water penetration resistant garments. The standard covers both water vapour permeable and non water vapour permeable coated fabrics and specifies minimum values for water penetration resistance (WPR), mechanical strength, colour fastness and other physical properties. It does not cover garment fabrication or construction methods.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Water penetration resistance (WPR): Minimum WPR levels are specified by product classification (codes A–E) and after conditioning treatments. Example minima after flexing range from 150 kPa (code A) up to 600 kPa (code E). Tests are referenced to ISO 811 (hydrostatic pressure test).
- Water vapour performance: Water vapour permeability index (WVPI) and WVP (g/m2/24 h) minimums are given for each code (e.g., WVPI thresholds such as 70% for code A). Annex I defines WVPI determination.
- Mechanical strength: Minimum bursting strength and wounded tear values by use-code (e.g., bursting strength from 150 N to 3 000 N; wounded tear from 100 N to 500 N).
- Durability and conditioning: Requirements after flexing (Annex C), ageing plus flexing (Annex D), abrasion (Annex E) and dry cleaning (Annex F). Table 1 maps coating polymers (PU, PVC, NR, CR, NBR, CSM, Q) to required accelerated-ageing procedures.
- Colour fastness and appearance: Colour fastness to light, washing, dry cleaning and rubbing using ISO 105 series and ISO 4920 spray-rating for outer surfaces.
- Other properties: Blocking resistance (ISO 5978), low-temperature crack resistance (Annex G), wet coating adhesion (Annex H), fusion check for PVC (ISO 6451).
- Marking, sampling and statistical compliance: Each roll must be labeled with manufacturer and batch details; sampling frequency and statistical treatment of burst/tear results are specified (Annex A, B).
Applications and who uses it
ISO 8096:2005 is used by:
- Coated-fabric manufacturers and converters to specify product performance and quality control.
- Textile and protective-clothing designers and specifiers selecting materials for water-resistant outerwear, workwear and leisurewear.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting WPR, WVPI, mechanical and durability testing.
- Purchasers and procurement teams requiring objective performance criteria for coated fabrics.
Practical uses include selection of coated fabrics for rainwear, industrial protective garments and other water-resistant clothing where both liquid penetration resistance and breathability (water vapour transmission) are important.
Related standards
ISO 8096 references and aligns with many test standards, including ISO 811 (hydrostatic test), ISO 1419 (accelerated ageing), ISO 4920 (spray test), ISO 3303 (bursting strength) and ISO 105 series (colour fastness). EN 471 is noted for fluorescent colour assessment when applicable.
Keywords: ISO 8096:2005, coated fabrics, water-resistant clothing, water penetration resistance, WPR, WVPI, water vapour permeable, PVC, polyurethane, fabric testing.