Overview
EN ISO 105-P02:2004 specifies a laboratory method to determine the resistance of textile colour to steam-pleating processes. The procedure evaluates colour change and staining caused by steam under defined conditions. It is important to note that the specimen is not pleated during the test and the method is not intended to assess the quality of the pleating process itself.
This standard is adopted from ISO 105-P02:2002 and is maintained by CEN for use across member bodies.
Key Topics
- Scope: Applies to textiles of all kinds and forms to assess their resistance to steam-pleating.
- Three severity levels: Mild, intermediate and severe tests are provided; laboratories choose one or more depending on requirements. The severe test is intended primarily for wholly synthetic textiles and shall not be used for textiles containing wool.
- Specimen assembly: A composite specimen is prepared by combining the test fabric with either a multifibre adjacent fabric or single-fibre adjacent fabrics (or a non-dyeable fabric for yarn/loose fibre tests), sewn together in specified formats.
- Apparatus: Includes a copper cylinder specimen holder wrapped with cotton covers, and either a jacketed steamer or a domestic pressure cooker (the latter may be used only for mild and intermediate tests). The specimen holder is wrapped in polyester film and steamed in a container to prevent direct water splashing.
- Assessment: Change in colour and staining of adjacent fabrics are assessed using the ISO grey scales (ISO 105-A02 for change in colour and ISO 105-A03 for staining).
- Reporting: Test reports must include the standard reference (ISO 105-P02:2002), identification of the sample, numerical ratings for colour change and staining, and the type of test carried out (mild, intermediate or severe).
Applications
- Quality control: Routine verification of fabric performance after steam-pleating processes used in manufacturing or finishing.
- Material selection: Helps specifiers and designers choose dyes, fibres and finishes suitable for pleated end-uses.
- Product development: Evaluates new dyeing or finishing recipes for resistance to steam-induced colour change and staining.
- Supplier contracts: Provides objective, repeatable test data for acceptance criteria between buyers and suppliers.
Related Standards
- ISO 105-A01 - General principles of testing for colour fastness
- ISO 105-A02 - Grey scale for assessing change in colour
- ISO 105-A03 - Grey scale for assessing staining
- ISO 105-F10 / ISO 105-F - Specifications for adjacent fabrics (multifibre and single-fibre)
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
For practical laboratory implementation, follow the specimen preparation, apparatus, steaming conditions and evaluation rules given in EN ISO 105-P02:2004 and reference the associated ISO parts for grey scales and adjacent fabrics. This ensures consistent, traceable results for colour fastness to steam pleating across testing laboratories.