Overview
ISO 17581:2025 specifies laboratory test methods to determine the water absorption resistance of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics. The standard is intended to assess capillary-driven uptake at the exposed edges of coated textiles used in tents, temporary shelters, roofing and similar applications. Two complementary methods are defined:
- Method A - visual assessment using a red ink test solution (3 % v/v) to indicate the height of upward absorption;
- Method B - detection using a water detection test paper for discrete measurement points.
The document includes sampling rules, specimen preparation, test conditions, apparatus, procedures, result expression and reporting, plus normative and informative annexes (e.g., ink solution check and precision data).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Sampling and specimen size: Cut rectangular specimens from roll excluding at least 1/10 of roll width from selvedge and 100 cm from roll terminal. Typical specimen dimensions: 30 ± 0.5 mm or 50 ± 0.5 mm width × 300 ± 0.5 mm length. Mark a line 5 ± 0.5 mm from the lower end to define immersion start.
- Conditioning and atmosphere: Condition specimens 16–24 h per ISO 2231; test atmosphere as ISO 2231 atmosphere “A” or “B” unless agreed otherwise.
- Test environment: Water temperature (20 ± 2) °C or (23 ± 2) °C; immersion time 72 ± 1 h (unless otherwise agreed).
- Prevention of side absorption: Apply water-inactive adhesive to side cross-sections up to 50 mm or more from lower end and dry for at least 1 hour.
- Method A specifics: Use distilled/ion-exchanged water (ISO 3696 grade 3) and a red ink test solution (ink diluted to 3 % v/v). Annex A specifies ink absorption checks; Annex B gives precision data for Method A.
- Method B specifics: Uses water-detection paper and recommends marking specimen at 20 mm intervals to map absorption height.
Practical applications and users
ISO 17581:2025 is used for:
- Quality control in manufacturing of rubber/plastics-coated fabrics.
- Product development and evaluation of anti-water-absorption surface treatments.
- Type testing and procurement to verify materials for tents, shelters, roofing, inflatable structures and outdoor equipment.
- Independent test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing standardized comparative testing.
Typical users: textile and coating manufacturers, R&D teams, test houses, specifiers, procurement engineers and standards compliance personnel.
Related standards
- ISO 2231 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced for conditioning and test atmosphere)
- ISO 3696 - water for analytical laboratory use (water quality for testing)
- ISO 105‑F02 - adjacent fabrics specification (referenced for colourfastness adjacent fabrics)
Keywords: ISO 17581:2025, water absorption resistance, rubber-coated fabrics, plastics-coated fabrics, Method A red ink, Method B water detection paper, capillary absorption, test methods, specimen dimensions, conditioning, immersion time.