Many textile products, e.g. tents, backpacks, clothing, or sports equipment, are used outdoors where sunlight, heat, and water have a significant impact on the ageing behavior. Therefore, proper accelerated weathering testing is critical to assess weather durability. Key test methods are included in the international standard ISO 105-B10.
Weather Stress on Outdoor Textiles
Weathering testing of outdoor gear made of (technical) textiles is not just about checking color fastness to sunlight. Of course, color change goes hand in hand with loss of aesthetic appeal. But often it is important to determine loss of mechanical strength. This is certainly true for the paraglider in the picture. Change in functionality may also be critical, e.g. for hydrophobic coatings on tents, rain jackets, hiking boots, or water-repellent trousers.
Different Climates – Different Testing
Our planet encompasses different climatic zones, each imposing unique weather stresses on textiles exposed outdoors. Addressing the significant variations between these climate zones calls for specific test methods. The international weathering standard ISO 105-B10 aligns seamlessly with this approach. B10 describes four test methods offering simulations for:
• Moderate to warm climates with rain; e.g. Central/East Europe, Scandinavia (Method A)
• Moderate to warm climates without rain; e.g. South Europe, South Africa, US (Method B)
• Hot semi-tropical climates with rain; e.g. India, South America, SE-Asia, Japan (Method C)
• Hot semi-arid climates without rain; e.g. Middle East, Australia, Africa, US (Method D)
Suitable test equipment for ISO 105-B10 are daylight-filtered xenon-arc devices, controlling
• Irradiance at 300-400 nm or at 340 nm
• Black Standard or Black Panel Temperature
• Chamber Air Temperature
• Relative Humidity
• Water spray
Xenon-arc instruments for ISO 105-B10: Ci4400 Weather-Ometer®, Xenotest® 220, SUNTEST® XXL+.
More Information
Do you want to discuss your textile weathering testing needs with us? Do not hesitate to contact us. The Atlas team is always happy to answer your questions
Do you want to learn more about textile weathering testing, read the application note on ISO 105-B10 download a summary on xenon test standards for textiles, or listen to a recorded webinar on light fastness testing of textiles