Overview
EN ISO 17230:2011 (identical to ISO 17230:2006) specifies a laboratory method for determining the water penetration pressure of leather. Also published by CEN and prepared by IULTCS/IUP, the standard defines the hydrostatic test procedure used to measure the pressure at which water is forced through a leather sample. This method is commonly referred to as a hydrostatic or water penetration test for leather and is used to assess leather water resistance in quality control and product development.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Method for measuring the pressure required to force droplets of water through leather (water penetration pressure).
- Test principle: A leather sample is clamped over a water-filled cup; pressure is increased uniformly until droplets appear on the exposed surface.
- Critical parameters:
- Pressure increase rate: 3.0 kPa/min ± 0.3 kPa/min
- Maximum test pressure: 65 kPa
- End point: pressure when three droplets of water appear
- Report results to nearest 0.1 kPa; if no failure at 65 kPa, report “greater than 65 kPa”
- Apparatus & sample geometry:
- Cup internal diameter 40.0 mm ± 0.2 mm
- Annular clamp matching 40.0 mm ± 0.2 mm, clampable at up to 65 kPa
- Stiff wire gauze (eight holes per 25 mm) to prevent fabric distension
- Distilled or deionized water conforming to ISO 3696 (grade 3)
- Sampling and preparation:
- Sampling per ISO 2418
- Sample cutting and conditioning guidance per ISO 2419
- Tests performed at 20 °C ± 2 °C or 23 °C ± 2 °C
- Test report must reference ISO 17230:2006 and include water penetration pressure, failure mode (e.g., damp patches), test temperature, deviations, and sample identification.
- Conversions: 1 kPa = 7.5 mmHg = 0.75 cmHg.
Applications and users
- Applications:
- Quality control for footwear, leather garments, upholstery and other leather goods where water resistance is important
- Product development and material specification for suppliers and manufacturers
- Comparative testing of treatments, finishes or tanning processes affecting hydrostatic resistance
- Who uses it:
- Leather testing laboratories and QC departments
- Tanners, footwear and leather goods manufacturers
- Material engineers and product specifiers
- Standards bodies and certification organizations
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - Leather sampling locations
- ISO 2419 - Sample preparation and conditioning
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
- EN 14289 - earlier version superseded by EN ISO 17230:2011
- IULTCS test method references and technical committees (IULTCS / CEN TC 289)
Annex A lists an example instrument (e.g., R & B Hydrostatic Triple Head Tester) as a commercially available option; inclusion is informational and not an endorsement.