Overview
ISO/TS 23650:2021 - Nanotechnologies: Evaluation of the antimicrobial performance of textiles containing manufactured nanomaterials provides standardized methods to assess antimicrobial properties of textiles that incorporate metal or metal‑oxide nanomaterials (TCMNMs). The Technical Specification covers fabric, yarn and fibre treated or manufactured with nanomaterials and specifies procedures to measure:
- Antibacterial, antifungal and anti‑odour performance, and
- Release of nanomaterials from textiles after laundering and/or exposure to artificial human body sweat.
The document is produced by ISO/TC 229 (Nanotechnologies) and focuses on performance assessment; it does not address therapeutic textiles, environmental/health/safety (EHS) impacts, nor release due to aging, dry attrition or abrasion.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope of testing: Applies to TCMNMs where metals (e.g., silver, copper) and metal oxides (e.g., CuO, TiO2, ZnO) are used during production or finishing.
- Physicochemical characterization: Key nanomaterial attributes influencing antimicrobial activity - size, shape, surface chemistry, surface charge and surface area - are identified; characterization techniques are referenced (e.g., AFM, FESEM, BET, zeta potential).
- Measurement of released nanomaterials: Protocols for preparing artificial perspiration solutions and procedures to quantify release after washing or sweat exposure. Analytical methods referenced include AAS, ICP‑AES and related metal‑analysis techniques.
- Washing procedure: Uses standard domestic washing/testing cycles for evaluating durability (references ISO 6330).
- Antimicrobial assays: Specifies antibacterial, antifungal and anti‑odour test approaches, building on existing ISO methods (e.g., ISO 20743 and ISO 13629‑1).
- Reporting: Test report content and required information to support reproducible results and product claims.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO/TS 23650:2021 is practical for:
- Textile manufacturers and finishers developing antimicrobial textiles using nanomaterials.
- Nanomaterial suppliers validating product performance and wash durability.
- Independent testing and certification laboratories performing nanotechnology textiles testing.
- R&D teams, product developers and quality control departments assessing antimicrobial performance and wash/sweat durability.
- Regulators and procurement bodies seeking standardized test evidence for product claims (note: EHS assessment requires other documents).
Use cases include validating performance claims for socks, underwear, sportswear, bedding and other consumer textiles where antimicrobial or anti‑odour properties are marketed.
Related standards
Relevant referenced standards include:
ISO/TS 23650:2021 provides a focused, practical framework for assessing antimicrobial performance and nanomaterial release in textiles - supporting reliable product testing, claims substantiation and product development in the field of nanotechnology-enabled textiles.