Overview
ISO 105-E04:2013 is an internationally recognized standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It specifies a standardized method to test the colour fastness to perspiration of textiles. Applicable to textiles of all kinds and forms, this standard assesses how well the colour of a textile resists color changes and staining when exposed to human perspiration.
This method is essential in evaluating textile durability and quality, ensuring fabrics maintain their appearance and do not transfer colour in real-life wearing conditions. The test simulates the chemical effects of sweat on textiles, providing consistent and reproducible results for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and textile researchers.
Key Topics
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Scope and Purpose: The standard covers the testing of colour fastness against the action of human perspiration. It applies to all textile materials, including fabrics, yarns, and loose fibres.
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Test Principle: Textile specimens are exposed to two artificial perspiration solutions (alkaline and acid) containing biochemical components such as histidine and sodium chloride. The specimens, in contact with adjacent fabrics, are pressed under controlled pressure and heated at 37°C to simulate real perspiration conditions.
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Apparatus and Materials:
- Stainless steel test devices applying consistent pressure
- Preparation of alkaline (pH 8) and acid (pH 5.5) perspiration solutions
- Adjacent fabrics, including multifibre or specified single-fibre textiles, to evaluate staining
- Grey scales for assessing colour change and staining
- Optional instrumental methods like spectrophotometers or colorimeters for precise assessment
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Specimen Preparation: Specimens are mounted with appropriate adjacent fabrics to form composite samples. Textile types such as fabric, yarns, or fibers follow specific preparation procedures.
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Testing Procedure:
- Wetting specimens in alkaline and acid solutions
- Applying uniform pressure between glass or acrylic plates
- Incubation in controlled temperature oven for 4 hours
- Drying specimens without additional contact that could influence results
- Assessment of colour change and staining visually or instrumentally
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Assessment and Reporting: Results are rated against grey scales describing colour change and staining intensity. The test report must document sample details, testing conditions, grey scale ratings, and the type of adjacent fabrics used.
Applications
ISO 105-E04:2013 plays a critical role across the textile industry for:
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Quality Control: Ensures garments and textiles maintain colour integrity and do not stain other materials during wear, which is particularly important for sportswear, uniforms, and fashion textiles.
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Product Development: Enables manufacturers to evaluate new dyes, finishes, and fabric constructions for resistance to perspiration effects.
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Compliance and Certification: Supports compliance with international quality regulations and customer specifications for colour fastness.
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Consumer Confidence: Demonstrates product reliability and durability, reducing customer complaints related to colour fading or bleeding due to sweat.
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Research and Innovation: Facilitates the development of improved perspiration-resistant textiles and colourants.
Related Standards
ISO 105-E04:2013 is part of the comprehensive ISO 105 series on colour fastness testing in textiles. Important related standards include:
- ISO 105-A01:2010 – General principles of testing for colour fastness
- ISO 105-A02 – Grey scale for assessing colour change
- ISO 105-A03 – Grey scale for assessing staining
- ISO 105-A04 & A05 – Instrumental assessment of staining and colour change
- ISO 105-F01 to F10 – Specifications for adjacent fabrics used in colour fastness tests
- ISO 3696 – Water specification for analytical laboratory use, ensuring purity of testing solutions
Together, these standards uphold rigorous and harmonized practices to maintain the overall integrity and trustworthiness of textile colour fastness testing worldwide.
ISO 105-E04:2013 is essential for textile professionals aiming to guarantee their products' resistance to perspiration-induced colour changes, ensuring durability, consumer satisfaction, and compliance with international quality requirements.