Overview
EN ISO 105-B07:2009 is an international standard developed by CEN and ISO that specifies a precise method for testing the colour fastness of textiles when exposed to light while wetted with artificial perspiration. This test evaluates how resistant textile colours are to fading under the combined influence of artificial daylight (D65) and wetting with either acid or alkaline artificial perspiration solutions. The standard applies universally to all kinds and forms of textiles.
Colour fastness to light under perspiration conditions is critical for ensuring textile durability and appearance integrity in real-life usage, especially in clothing and upholstery that come into contact with human sweat.
Key Topics
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Test Methodology
Specimens of textiles are soaked with acid or alkaline artificial perspiration solutions and then exposed to artificial light using a xenon-arc-lamp fading apparatus. The exposure simulates natural daylight conditions (D65). The fading progress is monitored against a blue wool reference standard, which serves as a control for reproducible results.
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Perspiration Solutions
The standard defines specific artificial perspiration formulas:
- Acid Perspiration Solution 1 (pH ~4.3)
- Acid Perspiration Solution 2 (pH ~5.5)
- Alkali Perspiration Solution (pH ~8.0)
These solutions mimic the chemical composition of human sweat, including components like L-histidine, sodium chloride, lactic acid, and phosphate buffers.
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Specimen Preparation and Exposure
Textile samples, minimum size 40 mm × 10 mm, are saturated to 100% wet pick-up with the selected perspiration solution, mounted on non-fluorescent white cards, and then subjected to controlled light exposure. The reference blue wool is not wetted but exposed simultaneously to benchmark fading.
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Assessment and Evaluation
Colour change is assessed either visually using the ISO grey scale for colour change or by instrumental measurement (spectrophotometer/colorimeter). The test concludes once the blue wool reference achieves a specified fading level, providing a reproducible endpoint.
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Test Reporting
Reports detail sample identification, perspiration solution used, test apparatus, blue wool reference, exposure conditions, results with numerical rating of colour change, and any deviations from the test method.
Applications
EN ISO 105-B07:2009 serves as a vital quality control and research tool for textile manufacturers, suppliers, and testing laboratories to:
- Evaluate durability of textile dyes and pigments to withstand sweating and light exposure, crucial for clothing and sportswear performance.
- Ensure consumer satisfaction by predicting colour fading in real-use conditions involving perspiration.
- Support product development by comparing colour fastness of new textile treatments and dyes across standardized conditions.
- Validate claims for functional textiles, such as moisture-wicking or anti-perspiration finishes, contributing to product marketing and certification.
- Contribute to regulatory compliance and international trade by adhering to harmonized testing practices recognized globally.
Related Standards
Key complementary standards in the ISO 105 series and other textile fastness evaluations include:
- ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour - used for visual rating.
- ISO 105-A05: Instrumental assessment of colour change - enables objective measurement.
- ISO 105-B02: Colour fastness to artificial light (xenon arc) - provides the artificial light test conditions.
- ISO 105-E04: Colour fastness to perspiration - includes preparation of perspiration solutions and related testing.
- ISO 3696: Specifies grade 3 water quality used in analytical laboratory testing, including textile fastness tests.
Using these linked standards ensures comprehensive evaluation of textile colour fastness properties under varying exposure scenarios, enhancing reliability and comparability of test results.
Keywords: Colour fastness to light, artificial perspiration, textile testing, ISO 105-B07, xenon-arc-lamp fading test, colour durability, textile quality control, sweat resistant textiles, artificial perspiration solutions, blue wool reference.