Overview
ISO 17130:2021 is an international standard that specifies a reliable method for determining the dimensional change-commonly known as shrinkage-of leather due to ageing. Applicable to all types of leather, this standard ensures precise measurement of physical and mechanical changes in leather materials when subjected to accelerated ageing processes. Developed by ISO in collaboration with the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS), this standard supports quality control and durability assessment within the leather industry.
Key Topics
- Scope and Applicability: Covers all leather types and focuses on dimensional change caused by ageing.
- Test Methodology: Involves conditioning samples, ageing under controlled temperature and humidity, and measuring shrinkage.
- Sample Preparation: Requires cutting leather into standardized test pieces (typically 150 × 150 mm or larger) and marking four reference points forming a square of 100 ± 1 mm sides.
- Apparatus: Includes an oven or climate chamber, vernier caliper (0.1 mm precision), a support surface (glass plate or stainless-steel mesh with polyester fabric cover), and a press knife for sample preparation.
- Ageing Procedure: Utilizes conditions specified in ISO 17228 for accelerated ageing through heat, humidity, or cyclic conditions.
- Measurement & Calculation: Shrinkage is expressed as either linear shrinkage or area loss by measuring distances between marked points pre- and post-ageing, following standardized formulas provided in the standard.
- Reporting: Test reports must detail sample identification, test conditions, measurement methods, percentage of shrinkage, visual observations, and any deviations from the procedure.
Applications
The ISO 17130:2021 standard is vital for industries and professionals requiring accurate assessment of leather dimensional stability during product development and quality assurance. Key practical uses include:
- Leather Manufacturing: Ensuring leather meets durability specifications that prevent deformation during product lifespan.
- Quality Control: Routine testing to verify consistency across leather batches for products like footwear, upholstery, automotive interiors, and fashion goods.
- Research and Development: Assisting in the evaluation of new leather treatments or finishes designed to improve ageing resistance.
- Material Certification: Providing documented evidence of leather performance to comply with international trade and regulatory requirements.
- Consumer Protection: Guaranteeing that leather products maintain appearance and fit despite environmental stressors.
Related Standards
- ISO 17228:2015 – Leather - Tests for colour fastness - Change in colour with accelerated ageing
- ISO 2418 – Leather - Sampling location
- ISO 2419 – Leather - Sample preparation and conditioning
- ISO 105-B06 – Textiles - Colour fastness and ageing to artificial light at high temperatures: Xenon arc fading lamp test
Adherence to ISO 17130:2021, alongside these complementary standards, enables comprehensive leather testing frameworks that integrate physical, mechanical, and aesthetic evaluations critical for maintaining international quality benchmarks.
Keywords: ISO 17130, leather testing standards, dimensional change, leather shrinkage, leather ageing test, leather quality control, leather physical tests, leather mechanical tests, accelerated ageing of leather, leather durability standards.