Overview
ISO 5403-1:2011 - Leather - Determination of water resistance of flexible leather - Part 1: Repeated linear compression (penetrometer) specifies a laboratory test method to determine the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather using repeated linear compression (a penetrometer). It is applicable to all flexible leathers but is particularly suited to footwear materials. The test measures the time until water penetrates a partially immersed, flexed leather specimen and optionally quantifies water absorption and water transmission.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: Form the test piece into a trough, flex by compression while partially immersed in distilled/deionized water, and record time to first penetration visually or electrically.
- Applicable materials: All flexible leathers; especially used for footwear leathers.
- Essential apparatus: penetrometer (pair(s) of 30.0 mm ±0.5 mm cylinders), electric motor (50 cycles/min ±5), water tank, ring clamps, press knife, weighted abrasive paper, absorbent cloth, balance (0.001 g), clock (1 s).
- Test amplitudes and compressions: crank amplitudes of 1.0 mm (≈5% compression), 1.5 mm (≈7.5%), 2.0 mm (≈10%) or 3.0 mm (≈15%); amplitude selection based on specimen stiffness.
- Sampling & preparation: sample location per ISO 2418; condition specimens per ISO 2419; lightly abrade grain surface with weighted abrasive paper (10 strokes) to simulate wear; optional pre-flexing reference to ISO 5402-1.
- Measurements: penetration time (reported in minutes or hours); optional percentage water absorption and mass of water transmitted (weighing to 0.001 g). Results and deviations must be recorded in the test report.
Applications and users
Who uses ISO 5403-1:
- Leather manufacturers and tanneries - to assess water resistance during formulation and finishing.
- Footwear brands and component suppliers - to evaluate upper and lining materials under dynamic flex conditions representative of wear.
- Independent test laboratories and quality-control units - for acceptance testing, batch verification and warranty investigations.
- R&D teams - to compare treatments, coatings and constructions for improved wet performance.
Practical uses:
- Product development decisions (finishes, coatings, tanning recipes)
- Quality assurance and incoming material inspection
- Comparative performance testing between leathers and treatments
- Supporting compliance claims and technical specifications for footwear and leather goods
Related standards
- ISO 5403-2 (Part 2: repeated angular compression, Maeser) - different flex action; results are not interchangeable with Part 1
- ISO 2418 (sampling location)
- ISO 2419 (sample preparation & conditioning)
- ISO 3696 (water quality for testing)
- ISO 5402-1 (flex resistance, referenced for optional pre-flexing)
Keywords: ISO 5403-1, water resistance, leather testing, penetrometer, repeated linear compression, footwear leather, penetration time, water absorption, water transmission.