Overview
ISO 105-G02:1993 - "Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part G02: Colour fastness to burnt-gas fumes" specifies a laboratory method to determine the resistance of textile colours to atmospheric oxides of nitrogen generated by combustion of chemically pure butane gas. The method applies to textiles of all kinds and forms (except loose fibres) and is used to rate dye fastness by comparing exposed specimens with a test control and a Standard of fading, assessed using the ISO grey scale.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Simulates exposure to oxides of nitrogen from burnt butane to assess colour change of dyed textiles. Can be applied to dyed samples prepared at a specified depth of colour.
- Apparatus:
- Exposure chamber (Annex A): enclosure ensuring free air circulation and controlled exposure to combustion by-products; adjustable vents/dampers and specimen suspension to avoid hot-spot contact.
- Butane gas burner and optional wire gauze to control NOx generation; burner adjustments to control chamber temperature (not to exceed 60 °C as a guideline).
- Test materials:
- Specimen size for fabrics/yarns: 40 mm × 100 mm.
- Test control and Standard of fading (Annex B): acetate-based control fabric dyed to a defined shade; new standards established for each dye lot to ensure consistency.
- Procedure highlights:
- Specimens and test control are exposed together until the test control shows the prescribed change corresponding to the Standard of fading.
- Colour change is assessed with the grey scale per ISO 105-A02 under daylight or equivalent illumination.
- If no change after one exposure period, exposures may be continued for specified cycles or until a defined change occurs.
- Treatment/aftercare: selected specimens may be immersed in buffered urea solution or subjected to washing/dry‑cleaning procedures before assessment to simulate post‑treatment effects.
- Environmental factors: Temperature and humidity affect fading rates (high humidity may be required for some fibres). Annexes provide normative guidance on chamber design and control fabrics.
Applications and users
- Textile and dye manufacturers evaluating dye fastness in polluted or combustion-rich environments.
- Independent testing laboratories and QA/QC departments assessing product durability and compliance.
- Researchers studying the effects of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and air pollutants on textile colour stability.
- Standardization and certification bodies using consistent test methods for product labelling and performance claims.
Related standards
- ISO 105-A01: General principles of testing
- ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
- ISO 105-C06: Colour fastness to laundering
- ISO 105-D01: Colour fastness to dry cleaning
Keywords: ISO 105-G02, colour fastness to burnt-gas fumes, textiles, oxides of nitrogen, butane gas, exposure chamber, grey scale, textile testing, dye fastness.