Abrasion Resistance by the Martindale Method

ASTM D4966-98
Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Martindale
Abrasion Tester Method)

What This Test is Used For:

 This test method covers the determination of the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics.
Fabrics of all types may be tested by this method, including woven, non-woven, and knit
apparel fabrics, household fabrics, industrial fabrics, and floor coverings, but difficulties
may arise with fabrics with a pile depth greater than 2mm.

 The resistance of textile materials to abrasion as measured on a testing machine in the

laboratory is generally only one of several factors contributing to wear performance or
durability as experienced in the actual use of the material.

 While "abrasion resistance"and "durability" frequently are related, the relationship

varies with different end uses, and different factors may be necessary in any calculation
when trying to predict durability based on findings from specific abrasion tests.

There are three options for testing abrasion resistance included in this method.
For the purposes of the Quality Assurance Class, you will be using Option 1.

Option 1:
The end point is reached for a woven fabric when two or more yarns have
broken, or for a knitted fabric when a hole appears.

How the Test Works:

Abrasion resistance is measured by subjecting the specimen to rubbing motion in the
form of a geometric figure. Resistance to abrasion is evaluated by various means,
including comparison to visual aids in the form of photographs or actual samples.

Scientific Testing Requirements:

When using this equipment for scientific purposes, the fabric must be prepared according
to ASTM D1776.
Equipment Needed:
Martindale abrasion tester
Standard abradant fabric
Standard felt
Polyurethane foam backing
Fabric press cutters
AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change
Procedure:
Sample Preparation
1. When cutting specimens, avoid wrinkles, folds or creases.
2. Avoid getting oil, water, grease, etc. on the specimens when handling.
3. Using the smallest cutting die, cut six circular specimens from the fabric to be tested
with each specimen being 1.5 inches (38mm) in diameter. Take care not to apply too
much pressure on the cutting die as it will break the razor blades.
4. Weigh one specimen to determine pre-test mass.
5. Also use this measurement to determine mass/unit area.

Preparation of Test Apparatus (see manual)

1. Make all tests in the standard atmosphere for testing.

2. Remove the specimen holders from the Martindale tester by

a. Loosening and lifting off the black knobs on top of the tester.
b. Removing the silver covers held on by the black knobs.
c. Lifting the specimen holders out

3. Note that all three parts of the specimen holders (handle, face, and ring) are numbered
1-6 and correspond to numbers on top of the Martindale tester.

4. Assemble the holder by:

a. Placing the cut specimen with the technical face down into the gold ring.
b. For specimens having a mass/unit area of less than 500 grams per square meter,
place a disk of polyurethane foam between the specimen and the metal face.
c. The face must sit flush and square inside the ring.
d. Screw the handle back on.

5. Place the assembled holders into the machine, replacing silver caps and black knobs.

6. Add the required weight (9kpa for apparel, 12kPa for upholstery) by resting the
weights on the ends of the handles. (kPa = 1 kilo Pascal = # pounds) Note that the
weights are also numbered 1-6.

7. Set the counter system to record the desired movements using the third black button
from the right.

Starting the abrasion tester

1. Turn the power on.
2. The machine should already be programmed to run a batch of 500 movements.
3. Push the green button to start the batch
3. After the first batch is complete take specimen holders off of the machine and observe
And record the results and changes in specimens.
5. Put specimens back on the machine and continue with the test.
6. Observe and record the results after each batch of 500 movements until you have
Reached the desired number of movements (total of 3500). The end point if reached
for a woven when two or more yarns have broken, or for a knitted fabric when a hole
appears.

Report:
1. State that the specimens were tested as directed in Test Method D4966.
2. Describe the material or product sampled and the method of sampling used.
3. Report the type of abradant and the mass of the weights used.
4. State the average number of movements required to rupture two or more yarns in a
woven fabric or develop a hole in a knitted fabric.
Tearing Strength by the Tongue Tear Method

ASTM D2261
Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabric by the Tongue (Single Rip)
Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)

What This Test is Used For:

This test method covers the measurement of the tearing strength of textile fabrics by the
tongue (single rip) procedure using a CRE-type tensile testing machine. This test measures peak
force, tearing force, and tearing strength.

How This Test Works:

Rectangular specimens are place into the CRE tester. One side of the cut end is clamped into
the upper jaw and the other is clamped into the lower jaw. The jaws move apart at a constant
rate until the fabric begins to tear. Depending on the nature of the specimen, the tearing force
will be shown as a peak or a series of peaks. The highest peaks appear to reflect the strength of
the yarns, fiber bonds, or fiber interlocks (individually or in combination) needed to continue a
tear.

Scientific Testing Requirements:

When using this equipment for scientific purposes, the fabric must be allowed to reach
moisture equilibrium in the atmosphere for testing textiles, or conditioned according to ASTM
D-1776, Conditioning Textiles for Testing.

Equipment Needed:
Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine
2 pre-cut samples (3” x 8”), one sample in both warp and weft

Procedure:
Sample Preparation:
1. Cut two samples 3” by 8” (per person). One sample is cut in the warp directions, the
other in the weft.
2. Make a 3” cut into the sample as shown:
Test Apparatus Preparation and Loading:
1. Set the distance between the clamps at 3 inches apart.
2. Select the full-scale force range of the testing machine so that the maximum force occurs
between 10% and 90% of full-scale force.
3. Set the testing speed to 2 inches per minute.
4. Secure the specimens in the clamp jaws so that one leg of the cut end is in the upper jaw
and the other leg of the cut end is in the lower jaw. Use the foot pedals to open and close
the jaws. Mounted fabric should be taut but not stretched tight.

Test each of the lengthwise and crosswise samples.

Determining the Results
1. Tearing force of the individual specimens (record to the nearest 0.1 mN):
a. Option 1: if there are 5 or more distinct peaks, use an average of the 5 highest
peak forces to find the tearing force value.
b. Option 2: If there are less than 5 distinct peaks, use the highest peak force as the
tearing force value.
2. Tearing Strength of all specimens: find the tearing force value by calculating the average
value from the group’s samples. Do this for both warp and weft directions.

Report:
1. Report that the tongue tearing strength was determined in accordance with ASTM Test
Method D2261.
2. Describe the material or product sampled and the method of sampling used.
3. For each unit and the lot state:
a. Tongue tearing test for each testing direction and condition as requested
b. Calculation option used, single peak force or average of 5 highest peak forces.
c. Condition of the specimens when tested with or without wetting.
d. When calculated, the standard deviation or the coefficient of variation.
4. Identify the software used.
5. State make, model, and capacity of the testing machine.
6. Report the type of clamps used.
7. State any modification of this test method.
Tearing Strength
Standards involved: ISO 13937-1/2; ASTM D1424; ASTM D2261; ISO 3377-
2; BS EN ISO 4674, etc
Apparatus involved: Elmendorf Tester or Universal Strength Tester –CRE;
The tearing strength is maximum force needed to continue tearing of a
fabric that has a pre-cut opening in the specimen.
Tensile Strength Test-Grab Test

ASTM D 5034-95 (Reapproved 2001)

Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile
Fabrics (Grab Test)

What This Test is Used For:

This test determines the breaking strength and elongation of most textile fabrics. It is applicable
to woven, non-woven, and felted fabrics, while the modified grab test is used primarily for
woven fabrics. It is not recommended for knit fabrics because of their large amount of stretch.

Scientific Testing Requirements:

The specimens should be conditioned to moisture equilibrium as directed in ASTM D1776. This
test can be performed either wet or dry and samples should be cut in both the warp and weft
directions.

Equipment Needed:
4” X 8-10” specimen
Tensile Testing Machine (CRE is the type we will use)
Clamps and jaw faces

Procedure:
1. Prepare the machine. Clamps should be set about 3 inches apart
2. Select the force range of the testing machine for the break to occur between 10-90% of
full scale force.
3. Set the testing machine for a loading rate of 12 in/minute (unless otherwise specified).
4. Mount the specimen in the clamps as straight as possible so that the same lengthwise
yarns are gripped by both clamps
5. If specimen clips in the jaws, or breaks at the edge or in the jaws or performs markedly
below the average for the set of specimens, discard the result and take another specimen.

Report:
1. State that the specimens were tested according to ASTM D5034 Test Method.
2. The average breaking force for specimens giving acceptable breaks
3. The average percent apparent breaking elongation of acceptable specimens.
4. Number of specimens tested
5. Type of test specimen and testing machine used.
6. Maximum force obtainable in the range used for testing.
7. Pretension, if used.
8. Size of the jaw faces used.
9. Type of padding used in the jaws or any modification to the jaw faces.
10. Number of yarns in clamping area, if less than 25.
11. Average time required to break for acceptable specimens
12. What type of testing was used, conditioned or wet testing, or both.
13. If testing wet, whether allowance was made for shrinkage and whether sizing or finishes
had been removed and, if so, how.

Tensile Strength / Elongation at Break

 Standard involved: ASTM D 5034; ASTM D2209; BS EN ISO 3376; BS EN ISO 13934-1 & 2, etc

 Apparatus involved: Universal Strength Tester –CRE

 The tensile strength is determined by a force at a constant rate of extension to a fabric sample
held in place by one fixed and one moveable jaw. The force required for a break in the fabric is
recorded. The elongation at break is also recorded by the strength tester.
Bursting Strength

 Standard involved: ASTM D3786; ASTM D3787; JIS L1096; BS EN ISO 13938-1 & 2, etc

 Apparatus employed: Hydraulic or Pneumatic Burst Testers and Ball Burst Tester

 The specimen is clamped in a holder, a distension force, either by means of hydraulic,

pneumatic, or mechanical means, is applied on the specimen until it ruptures. The bursting force
is the maximum force recorded during the course of testing

Hydraulic or pneumatic diaphragm

INTRODUCTION
Burst Testers for Textiles are used as a multi-directional tensile test to identify failure in the
direction of least resistance for evaluating physical strength and fiber bond. Models are
available to test a variety of materials. These models can also be fitted with a device to measure
the deflection of the sample prior to burst.
The textile burst tester is designed to meet international standards for tests on textiles. In
textiles, the burst tester measures the fabrics strength along with immediate or eventual
effects of dyes, chemicals and processes. It also demonstrates the results of wear, age and
environment and evaluates the comparative strength of alternative fibers.
OPERATION
The Textile Burst Tester is designed for measuring the bursting strength of fabric materials
subjected to an increasing hydrostatic pressure. This pressure is applied to a circular region of
the specimen via an elastic diaphragm. The specimen is firmly held round the edge of this
circular region by a pneumatic clamping device. When the pressure is applied, the specimen
deforms together with the diaphragm. The bursting strength corresponds to the maximum
pressure supported by the specimen before failure identical, in the principle to the multi-
directional tensile test, Ball Burst Method for Fabrics, this measurement is independent from
the cutting direction of the sample (machine or cross) since the failure naturally occurs in the
least resistance direction. The rubber diaphragms with specific thickness and shore hardness
must have a bulge versus pressure pattern within the tolerance of the standards related to the
type of material tested.
APPLICATIONS

 Textiles, Fibers, Non-woven’s, Polyester, Fabrics and Felts etc.

 Strength, stiffness, dye ability, resilience, fatigue elasticity, orientation and crystallinit

SPECIFICATIONS

 ASTM D 3786 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics-Diaphragm
Bursting Strength Tester Method
 ISO 1328-2:1999 Bursting properties of Fabrics
 ISO 2960 Test method for Bursting Strength
 BS 4768 Determination of Bursting Strength and Bursting Distension

FEATURES

 The clamping pressure is measured with a pressure transducer and displayed in bar/PSI
 Software to transfer data to Excel: Testlink3
 Pneumatic sample clamping
 Date of last calibration stored in memory (clamp pressure, bursting pressure, and height
gauge)
 Menus allow programming to meet pre- defined test methods and international
standards
 Number of test performed with diaphragm stored in memory

Pressure system:
The hydrostatic pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm by a hydraulic jack associated with a
frictionless ball-screw driven by a precision DC motor. The rotational speed and the position of
the motor are servo-controlled by means of an optical encoder ensuring a perfect control of the
fluid flow rate together with the determination of the displaced volume of fluid.
Sample tightening system:

 A large pneumatic jack enables an accurate and reproducible tightening.

 The tightening surfaces have an adequate profile to minimize the slippage even for
difficult materials like textiles for high volume bags.
  The tightening pressure is measured with a precision manometer and may be displayed
in metric or imperial units.
 The gripping strength is recalculated according to the geometry of the tightening
surfaces, and displayed in newtons.

Bursting pressure measurement:

 The pressure is measure by a metallic gages pressure transducer (0 to 100 bars)

 Accuracy: +/-1% of read value +/-1 digit between 5% and 100% of the FSD.
 Resolution: 2 mbars (50,000 points)

INSTRUMENT SIZE
565 mm (22.25
Depth:
in.)
Height: 495 mm (19.5 in.)
Width: 517 mm (20.35 in)
Weight 65 kg (143.3 lb)