Overview
EN ISO 105‑X05:1997 (ISO 105‑X05:1994) specifies a laboratory method to determine the colour fastness of textiles to organic solvents. It applies to textiles of all kinds and forms and replaces earlier editions. The standard sets out the test principle, required apparatus and reagents, specimen preparation, test procedure, assessment with grey scales, and required test report information. Note: when dry‑cleaning processes are specifically involved, use ISO 105‑D01:1993 instead.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Tests resistance of textile colour to organic solvents commonly used in the country of testing.
- Apparatus:
- Suitable container (e.g., 500 ml beaker) with means of agitation (manual glass rod, or machine shaking/tumbling).
- Specified solvent(s) selected from those in local use.
- Grey scales for assessing change in colour and staining (ISO 105‑A02, ISO 105‑A03).
- Adjacent fabrics: multifibre or single‑fibre reference fabrics per ISO 105‑F series.
- Specimen preparation:
- Fabric specimens are typically 40 mm × 100 mm.
- Test specimen combined with multifibre adjacent fabric or two single‑fibre adjacent fabrics and stitched as specified.
- Yarn/loose fibre procedures provided for appropriate mounting.
- Test procedure:
- Agitate composite specimen continuously in solvent for 30 minutes at room temperature, liquor ratio 40:1.
- If agitation is manual, press specimen against container every 2 minutes without removal.
- Squeeze excess solvent and dry by hanging at 80 °C ± 2 °C without unstitching (take precautions for flammable solvents).
- After drying and unstitching, assess colour change and staining against grey scales.
- Safety: Precautions are required when drying flammable or explosive solvents.
- Test report: Must include standard reference, sample identification, solvent used, numerical grey‑scale ratings for colour change and staining, and type of adjacent fabric used.
Applications and who uses it
- Textile manufacturers and quality control labs use the method to verify product resistance to solvents encountered in processing, spill exposure or finishing operations.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the standard to support product specifications, compliance testing and material selection.
- Product designers, procurement and performance engineers use results to select dyes, finishes and fibres suited to solvent resistance requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 105‑A01, A02, A03 (general principles and grey scales)
- ISO 105‑F, F10 (adjacent fabric specifications)
- ISO 105‑D01:1993 (colour fastness to dry cleaning)