Overview
ISO 11860:1999 specifies requirements for primary and secondary jute carpet backing fabric used in textile floor coverings. It defines constructional classes, physical and mechanical requirements, test methods, tolerances, marking and an annexed test procedure for determining oil content. The standard is intended to ensure consistent quality and interchangeability of jute backing used in carpet manufacture and installation.
Key topics and requirements
- Types and classification
- Primary backing: Types 1–5 (different constructions and performance ranges).
- Secondary backing: Types 1–3.
- Mass per unit area
- Specified in g/m² for each type (primary examples include 237, 271, 305, 339, 407 g/m²; secondary examples include 186–204 g/m²). Test method: ISO 3801.
- Fabric construction
- Number of ends and picks per dm specified for each type. Test method: ISO 7211-2.
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Average width and length are “as agreed” between purchaser and supplier, with defined tolerances. Test methods: ISO 3932 (width), ISO 3933 (length).
- Mechanical strength
- Minimum breaking strength by the grab method specified separately for warp and weft directions (test method: ISO 5082).
- Oil content
- Maximum oil content: 2% (by mass). Normative Annex A describes the Soxhlet n‑hexane extraction procedure (based on ISO 3074) for determination.
- Marking requirements
- Packing/fabric must be marked with the standard number (ISO 11860:1999), manufacturer/supplier and origin, material name and type, length and width, and buyer-required information.
- Testing and conformity
- Normative references include ISO standards for conditioning, testing and test methods; parties are encouraged to use the latest editions where applicable.
Applications and who uses it
- Carpet and flooring manufacturers specifying jute backing for tufted or woven carpets.
- Material suppliers and exporters ensuring products meet buyer or regulatory requirements.
- Quality control and textile testing laboratories performing conformity tests (mass, strength, oil content).
- Procurement officers and specifiers writing product requirements for commercial and residential flooring.
- Designers and installers who need assurance of backing performance for bonding, dimensional stability and durability.
Related standards
- ISO 3801 - mass per unit area of woven fabrics
- ISO 7211-2 - threads per unit length (fabric construction)
- ISO 5082 - breaking strength (grab method)
- ISO 3074 - oil/dichloromethane-soluble matter determination (referenced for method)
- ISO 3932 / ISO 3933 - measurement of width and length
- ISO 139 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
ISO 11860 is a practical specification for ensuring consistent, testable performance of jute carpet backing fabric in manufacturing, procurement and quality assurance workflows.