Overview
EN ISO 105-E13:1996 / ISO 105-E13:1994 specifies a laboratory method to determine colour fastness to acid-felting (severe conditions) for textiles in all forms (fabrics, yarns, loose fibre). The test mills a composite specimen in acidic solutions (acetic and/or sulfuric acid), rinses and dries it, then evaluates both the change in colour of the specimen and staining of adjacent fabrics using ISO grey scales. This procedure is part of the ISO 105 family for textile colour‑fastness testing and is used where resistance to acid-felting is critical (for example, wool processing).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applies to textiles of all kinds and forms; assesses colour change and staining after simulated acid-felting.
- Specimen preparation:
- Composite specimen formed by placing the test material between two adjacent fabrics (typically 40 mm × 100 mm) and sewing to form a layered sample.
- Yarn and loose fibre have specified ways to be formed into composite specimens.
- Reagents and apparatus:
- Acid solutions are used separately: aqueous sulphuric acid solution and aqueous acetic acid solution (document specifies reagent preparations).
- Milling can be performed by an appropriate mechanical device or manually with a flattened glass rod.
- Test conditions:
- Liquor ratio of 40:1.
- Temperature and time: samples are milled in the test solution at about 90 °C for 30 minutes (document specifies 90 °C ± 2 °C).
- Rinse for 10 minutes in cold running water and dry at temperatures not exceeding 60 °C with contact only at the stitching line.
- Assessment and reporting:
- Use ISO grey scales for change in colour (ISO 105-A02) and staining (ISO 105-A03).
- Test report must identify the sample, cite ISO 105-E13, list grey-scale ratings for each reagent used, and specify the adjacent fabric types.
Applications and users
- Who uses it:
- Textile and apparel manufacturers (especially wool and blended fabrics)
- Dye houses and chemical suppliers
- Independent textile testing laboratories and quality‑control departments
- Product specifiers, buyers and compliance teams
- Practical uses:
- Quality control and batch acceptance for dyed textiles exposed to acidic felting processes
- Product development to compare dyeing methods or formulations
- Contract and procurement specifications where resistance to acid-felting is required
- Troubleshooting staining or colour loss problems post-processing
Related standards
- ISO 105-A01: General principles of colour‑fastness testing
- ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
- ISO 105-A03: Grey scale for assessing staining
- ISO 105-F sections: guidance on selecting adjacent fabrics
Keywords: colour fastness, acid-felting, ISO 105-E13, EN ISO 105-E13:1996, textile testing, grey scale, wool felting, colourfastness test.