Martindale Abrasion Testing for Upholstery Fabrics: Standards and Requirements

Martindale Abrasion Testing is a widely used method for evaluating the durability and wear resistance of upholstery fabrics. There are several standards and requirements that are commonly used for Martindale testing of upholstery fabrics, including:

1. ASTM D4966: This is a standard test method for abrasion resistance of textiles using the Martindale method. It specifies the test apparatus, test specimens, testing procedures, and evaluation criteria for Martindale testing.

2. ISO 12947-2: This is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for the determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics using the Martindale method. It provides a method for determining the abrasion resistance of fabrics using a specified abradant and test conditions.

3. Wyzenbeek Test: This is a commonly used testing method in North America, and is often used in conjunction with the ASTM D4966 standard. The Wyzenbeek test involves rubbing a piece of cotton duck fabric back and forth over the test fabric in a figure-eight motion, and is typically used for heavy-duty upholstery fabrics.

4. Rub Test: The rub test is a commonly used method in Europe and Asia, and is often used in conjunction with the ISO 12947-2 standard. The rub test involves rubbing a piece of wool or cotton fabric back and forth over the test fabric, and is typically used for lighter-weight upholstery fabrics.

In addition to these standards and testing methods, there are also specific requirements for upholstery fabrics in different markets. For example, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific requirements for upholstery fabrics used in aircraft interiors. In the European Union, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has specific requirements for upholstery fabrics used in aircraft interiors. These requirements may include additional testing and performance criteria beyond those specified by the ASTM or ISO standards.

Overall, Martindale Abrasion Testing is an important method for evaluating the durability and wear resistance of upholstery fabrics, and there are several standards and requirements that are commonly used to ensure consistent and reliable testing.