Overview
EN ISO 105-E10:1996 is an internationally recognized standard developed by CEN that specifies a precise testing method for evaluating the colour fastness of textiles to decatizing. Decatizing is a finishing process mainly applied to wool fabrics, where steam treatment is used to set the fabric’s texture and dimensions. This standard defines procedures for assessing how resistant textile colours are to the effects of steam during this process, providing crucial quality assurance for textile manufacturers, dyers, and quality controllers.
The test involves wrapping the textile specimen around a perforated cylinder inside a decatizing apparatus, exposing it to steam under controlled conditions, and evaluating any colour changes. Two severity levels of testing-mild and severe-are outlined to replicate different industrial processing exposures.
Key Topics
- Purpose: Measures colour fastness during steam exposure as used in wool fabric decatizing.
- Test Methodology:
- Textile specimens (fabric, yarn, or loose fibres) are prepared and wrapped around a perforated metal cylinder.
- The cylinder is placed in an autoclave, and saturated steam is passed through for 15 minutes.
- Specimens are dried at controlled temperatures, and colour changes are assessed using the internationally accepted grey scale for colour change (ISO 105-A02).
- Control Measures:
- A test-control specimen dyed with Cl Mordant Brown 33 is tested under identical conditions to ensure test validity.
- Acceptable colour change ratings for control specimens:
- Mild decatizing: minimum 4Y rating
- Severe decatizing: minimum 3Y rating
- Test Conditions:
- Mild test: Steam pressure at 147 kPa and temperature 111°C
- Severe test: Steam pressure at 245 kPa and temperature 127°C
- Specimen Preparation:
- Fabrics: 40 mm x 100 mm samples
- Yarn: knitted or layered between adjacent cotton fabrics to form test samples
- Loose fibres: combed, compressed, and sandwiched between cotton fabrics
- Apparatus Specifications:
- Autoclave of approx. 20 litres capacity with safety and control features
- Perforated cylinder 20 mm diameter and 160 mm height attached inside the autoclave
- Pressure gauge, regulating valve, safety valve, thermometer, and cotton blanket cloth for specimen wrapping
Applications
- Textile Manufacturing:
Assures that coloured wool fabrics retain their colour integrity during industrial steam decatizing processes.
- Quality Control:
Enables manufacturers and suppliers to evaluate product performance against international colour fastness standards before shipment.
- Research & Development:
Used by textile R&D teams to optimize dye formulations, fabric treatments, and decatizing process parameters.
- Compliance & Certification:
Helps companies demonstrate conformity with quality standards demanded by global markets, reducing returns and enhancing reputation.
Related Standards
- ISO 105-A01: General principles of testing colour fastness
- ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
- ISO 105-F02: Standards for cotton adjacent fabrics used in colour fastness testing
- ISO 105 series: A comprehensive range of colour fastness tests addressing aspects such as washing, rubbing, light, and perspiration exposure
EN ISO 105-E10:1996 offers a standardized, reproducible method to assess colour fastness to decatizing steam treatment, vital for maintaining fabric quality in wool textile finishing. Utilizing this standard ensures reliable performance evaluation, consistent product quality, and adherence to international trade requirements in the textile industry.