Overview
ISO 17071:2006 - Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of fogging characteristics specifies two accepted laboratory methods to assess the tendency of automotive leathers to produce condensable volatile deposits (fogging) inside motor-vehicle passenger compartments. The standard was prepared by IULTCS/IUP and published by ISO (also issued as EN 14288). It defines Method A (reflectometric) and Method B (gravimetric), explains required apparatus and sample preparation, and includes inter-laboratory trial results showing differences in reproducibility between the methods.
Key Topics
- Scope and intent: Measure volatile components emitted from leather that may condense on interior surfaces (windshield-like substrates) and affect visibility or passenger comfort.
- Two alternative procedures:
- Method A - Reflectometric method: Volatiles are condensed onto a cold glass plate; the light-scattering (opaqueness) of the condensate is measured by a reflectometer (60° incident/measurement geometry). Result expressed as percentage reflection relative to the clean plate. The method characterizes droplet/film appearance but can be sensitive to film type and shows higher inter-laboratory variability.
- Method B - Gravimetric method: Volatiles are condensed on a cold aluminium foil and measured by weight gain (gravimetric). Annex A reports that Method B performs well in inter-laboratory trials.
- Test conditions and apparatus: Includes controlled heating in a thermostatic bath at 100 °C ±1 °C, cooled plate at about 21 °C, float glass plates, metal rings, sealing rings, filter paper, and reference material (e.g., di‑isodecyl phthalate, DIDP) for reference tests.
- Sampling and preparation: References ISO 2418 (sampling) and ISO 2419 (sample preparation/conditioning). Cleanliness, desiccation, and handling procedures are specified to minimize contamination and ensure reproducibility.
- Important notes: There is no mathematical correlation between results from Methods A and B; results are not directly interchangeable. Tests may be carried out in succession on the same sample.
Applications
- Automotive OEMs and suppliers evaluating automotive leather fogging risk for instrument panels and windshields.
- Leather tanneries and material engineers conducting quality control for interior leathers.
- Independent test laboratories performing compliance and comparative testing for passenger-compartment materials.
- Product development teams seeking to reduce volatile emissions from leather finishes and coatings.
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - Leather - Sampling location
- ISO 2419 - Leather - Sample preparation and conditioning
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (grade 3)
- EN 14288 - Equivalent publication of ISO 17071
Keywords: ISO 17071, leather fogging, fogging characteristics, reflectometric method, gravimetric method, automotive leather testing, IULTCS, EN 14288.