Overview
ISO 15702:1998 is an international standard that specifies a test method for assessing the colour fastness of leather to machine washing. Developed by ISO in collaboration with the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS), this standard addresses the growing use of washable leather items such as sports shoes, backpacks, and garment labels. The method evaluates the resistance of leather dyes to degradation under specified machine washing conditions, simulating tough washing environments with an alkaline detergent typically used in textile care.
This standard is essential for leather manufacturers and quality control laboratories aiming to ensure the durability and aesthetic stability of leather products exposed to machine washing.
Key Topics
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Scope of Testing
The method tests the resistance of leather dye to color degradation, dye transfer (crocking) onto textile test fabrics, and any changes in leather finish after machine washing under controlled conditions.
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Test Procedure
- Preparation of composite test specimens combining leather and multifibre textile fabric.
- Washing in a rotating drum with a defined volume of detergent solution, using PTFE bars to simulate agitation.
- Controlled temperature at 40 °C and washing duration of 30 minutes with subsequent rinsing cycles.
- Specimens are dried under specified conditions and then evaluated.
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Evaluation Methods
- Colour degradation is assessed using standardized grey scales (ISO 105-A02).
- Dye transfer to the multifibre fabric is evaluated (ISO 105-A03).
- Instrumental methods (ISO 105-A04, ISO 105-A05) may be used for more precise measurements.
- Visual inspection for finish changes on leather surfaces is recorded.
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Apparatus and Materials
- Rotating drum washer with a capacity around 500 ml.
- PTFE bars for mechanical action.
- Multifibre test fabric compliant to ISO 105-F10.
- Alkaline detergent ECE 77 or equivalent.
- Analytical grade water following ISO 3696.
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Reporting Requirements
Reports must include the leather type, test specimen details, detergent formulation, test apparatus, grey scale evaluations, any finish alterations, and deviations from the procedure.
Applications
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Quality Control for Washable Leather Goods
Leather manufacturers can use ISO 15702 to verify the colorfastness performance of leather used in washable products like shoes, bags, and even sewn labels inside garments.
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Product Development
During leather finishing and dyeing processes, this test assists in optimizing formulations for enhanced wash durability.
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Compliance Testing
Ensures leather products meet specific durability standards, contributing to increased consumer confidence and product longevity.
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Research and Innovation
Supports R&D activities by providing a benchmark method to assess the impact of technological innovations on color durability during machine washing.
Related Standards
- ISO 15703 – Tests for colour fastness of leather to gentle hand washing, complementing ISO 15702 by covering milder washing conditions.
- ISO 105 Series – Various parts of this series address colour fastness testing for textiles, including grey scales and instrumental evaluation methods referenced in ISO 15702.
- ISO 2419 – Conditioning of leather test specimens before physical testing to ensure reproducible results.
- ISO 3696 – Specifies analytical grade water quality, crucial for preparing test baths in colour fastness testing.
- IULTCS/IUF 435 – The original method from which ISO 15702 is derived, published by leather technologists and chemists.
ISO 15702:1998 plays a vital role in setting internationally recognized procedures for evaluating the durability of leather coloration subjected to rigorous machine washing. This helps ensure leather products maintain their aesthetic and functional quality through repeated wash cycles, an increasingly important factor given the prevalence of washable leather goods in the market.