ISO 9237-1995 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 9237:1995 — Textiles — Determination of the permeability of fabrics to air. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method for measuring the rate of airflow passing perpendicularly through a defined area of fabric under a given pressure difference; it applies to most types of air‑permeable fabrics, including woven and knitted textile fabrics, nonwovens and made‑up textile articles that allow air to pass through.

Abstract

ISO 9237:1995 describes a standardized test procedure to determine air permeability of fabrics by measuring the steady volumetric flow of air through a specimen at a specified pressure drop and test area. Results are expressed as air permeability values for quality control, material specification and comparison across samples and products. The method is intended for laboratory conditions and references relevant conditioning requirements for textiles.

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed in review; current edition remains valid).
• Publication date: June 1995 (1995-06).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.30 — Textile fabrics.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1995).
• Number of pages: 5.

Entries above are taken from the ISO catalogue record and national adoption summaries.

Scope

The standard specifies a laboratory method for determining the permeability of fabrics to air by measuring the volumetric flow of air per unit area under a specified pressure difference across the test specimen. It is applicable to most types of air‑permeable textile materials — including fabrics for apparel, technical textiles and nonwovens — and to made‑up articles that permit air flow. The procedure assumes specimens have been conditioned under standard atmosphere prior to testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: measure steady-state volumetric air flow through a defined specimen area at a specified pressure drop and calculate air permeability (volume flow per unit area per time).
• Apparatus: fixture with defined orifice/test area, clamping system to avoid edge leakage, controlled suction or pressure source, accurate flowmeter and manometer/pressure gauge.
• Specimen area and repeatability: use standard test areas (examples given in guidance are commonly 5, 20, 50 or 100 cm²); take multiple readings across the sample to obtain an average and coefficient of variation.
• Test conditions: specimens should be conditioned in a standard atmosphere before testing (reference standard atmospheres is typically ISO 139 or an agreed alternative); common pressure drops used depend on fabric type (typical values used in practice include 50, 100, 200 or 500 Pa depending on application).
• Calculation and reporting: report air permeability as volumetric flow per unit area under the chosen pressure drop, include test area, pressure drop, number of readings, mean, variation and conditioning atmosphere in the test report.
• Applications: used for quality control, specification of textile materials, comparative evaluation and research into fabric performance where air flow is relevant (comfort, filtration, technical end‑uses).

Typical use and users

Laboratories, textile manufacturers, product development teams, quality control departments, testing service providers and researchers use ISO 9237 to assess and compare air‑permeability properties of fabrics and textile assemblies. The test is useful for apparel comfort assessment, technical textiles evaluation (filters, industrial fabrics), and conformity testing in procurement or product specification contexts.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced together with ISO 9237 include ISO 139 (standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of textiles) for specimen conditioning requirements and ISO 11092 (sweating guarded‑hotplate) and other fabric performance standards when assessing combined comfort properties. Other related textile test methods (national or international) cover tensile, abrasion, water resistance and thermal/moisture transfer and may be used alongside air‑permeability data in product specifications.

Keywords

air permeability; air flow; air‑permeable fabrics; textile testing; nonwovens; conditioning; permeability; flow rate; laboratory method; fabric comfort.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9237:1995 is an International Standard that specifies a laboratory method to determine the permeability of fabrics to air by measuring the volumetric air flow through a defined specimen area under a specified pressure difference.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test principle, apparatus considerations, specimen handling and conditioning, test procedure, calculation of air permeability and reporting requirements for most air‑permeable textile materials and made‑up textile articles. It is a short (5‑page) procedural standard intended for routine laboratory use.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile test laboratories, manufacturers, product developers, quality control teams and researchers use this standard for product specification, quality checks and comparative performance testing where air flow through a fabric is relevant.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1995 edition (Edition 1) is listed as the published version and has been subject to periodic review; ISO's catalogue record indicates the standard was reviewed/confirmed in recent systematic reviews and remains the current published edition. Users should check national catalogues or ISO for the latest status before purchase.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 9237 is a standalone test method within the textile testing field but is commonly used alongside other textile standards (for example ISO 139 for conditioning and ISO 11092 for thermal/water‑vapour resistance) to provide a fuller performance profile of fabrics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Air permeability; airflow; textile testing; fabric permeability; nonwovens; conditioning; pressure drop; test area; laboratory method.