Overview
EN ISO 20869:2010 (ISO 20869:2010) specifies a standardized laboratory method for determining the water soluble content of footwear components - specifically outsoles, insoles, linings and insocks. Published by CEN in cooperation with ISO/TC 216, the standard defines sampling, sample preparation, test apparatus, test procedure and reporting requirements for quantifying total water-soluble matter and its inorganic (sulfated ash) and organic fractions.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Determination of water-soluble substances extracted from footwear components (outsoles, insoles, linings, insocks).
- Sampling & conditioning: Test specimens taken per ISO 17709; conditioned per ISO 18454. Material is ground and defatted/extracted by Soxhlet with dichloromethane (minimum 30 refluxes) before testing.
- Apparatus & reagents: Specifies flasks, fluted filter, shaker (50 ± 10 rpm), ovens (102 ± 2 °C), muffle furnace (690 ± 10 °C), analytical balances (sensitivity 0.1 mg), distilled water, and 1 mol/l sulfuric acid.
- Test procedure: Shake 10 g of conditioned, extracted material in 500 ml distilled water at (23 ± 2) °C for 2 h; filter and discard first 50 ml; use a subsequent 50 ml aliquot for analysis. Evaporate the filtrate to dryness to obtain total water solubles, then ignite the residue after sulfuric acid treatment to determine sulfated ash (water-soluble inorganic fraction). The organic fraction is calculated as the difference between total water solubles and sulfated ash.
- Results & reporting: Results are expressed as percentages (average of two test pieces, on fat‑free conditioned samples) and rounded to one decimal place. Test reports must reference ISO 20869:2010 and include sample identification and test date.
Applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers and component suppliers use this method for quality control, material specification and batch verification.
- Independent testing laboratories apply the procedure to certify compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
- R&D and materials engineering teams use the results to compare formulations, assess durability or leaching behavior, and guide material selection.
- Regulatory bodies and standards committees rely on standardized test data for market surveillance and comparative assessment.
Related standards
- ISO 17709 - sampling location and preparation for footwear tests
- ISO 18454 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing footwear components
- EN 12748:1999 - superseded by EN ISO 20869:2010
- ISO 20869:2001 - first edition, superseded by the 2010 edition
Keywords: footwear test methods, water soluble content, ISO 20869, outsoles, insoles, lining, insocks, sulfated ash, testing procedure, footwear quality control.