ASTM D3885-07A(2019)e1

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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Designation: D3885 − 07a (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and
Abrasion Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3885; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
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ε NOTE—In 6.2, the last unit in parentheses was corrected from 6 ⁄16 in. to 6 ⁄16 in. editorially in May 2021.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
abrasion resistance of woven or nonwoven textile fabrics using
D76 Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
the flexing and abrasion tester.
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
1.2 This test method applies to most woven and nonwoven
fabrics providing they do not stretch excessively. It is not D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
applicable to floor coverings. Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (With-
drawn 2008)
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for
are to be regarded separately as the standard. Within the text,
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
the inch-pound units are shown in parentheses. The values
D3884 Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics
stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore,
(Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)
each system shall be used independently of the other. Combin-
D3886 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
ingvaluesfromthetwosystemsmayresultinnonconformance
Fabrics (Inflated Diaphragm Apparatus)
with this test method.
D4157 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D4158 Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
(Uniform Abrasion)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Methods
NOTE 1—For other test methods for abrasion resistance of textiles refer
D4966 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
to Test Methods D3884, D3886, D4157, D4158, D4966, and AATCC93.
Fabrics (Martindale Abrasion Tester Method)
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
D5035 Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.2 AATCC Test Method:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical AATCC 93 Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics: Accelerotor
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Method
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This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods, contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Specific. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published July 2019. Originally approved the ASTM website.
in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3885 – 07a(2015). DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D3885-07AR19E01. www.astm.org.
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This test method is based upon the development described by Stoll, R.G.,“ Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
ImprovedMultipurposeAbrasionTesteranditsApplicationfortheEvaluationofthe (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215, http://
Wear Resistance of Textiles,” Textile Research Journal, July, 1949, p. 394. www.aatcc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D3885 − 07a (2019)
3. Terminology breaking strength and cycles to rupture are the recommended
means of evaluation because they are considered the least
3.1 For all terminology related to D13.60, Fabric Test
variable and interlaboratory agreement is likely to be obtained
Methods, Specific, see Terminology D4850.
more easily.
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
5.4 Abrasiontestsaresubjecttovariationsduetochangesin
abrasion, abrasion cycle, breaking force, double-stroke,
the abradant bar during specific tests. The abradant bar is
flexibility, standard atmosphere for preconditioning textiles,
considered a permanent abradant that uses a hardened metal
standard atmosphere for testing textiles.
surface. It is assumed that the abradant will not change
3.3 For all other terminology related to textiles, see Termi-
appreciably in a specific series of tests, but obviously similar
nology D123.
abradantsusedindifferentlaboratorieswillnotlikelychangeat
the same rate due to differences in usage. Permanent abradants
4. Summary of Test Method
may also change due to pickup of treatments or other material
4.1 Abrasion resistance is measured by subjecting the speci-
from test fabrics and must accordingly be cleaned at frequent
men to unidirectional reciprocal folding and rubbing over a
intervals. Consequently, depending upon its usage, the abrad-
specificbarunderspecifiedconditionsofpressure,tension,and
ant bar must be checked periodically against a standard.
abrasive action. Resistance to abrasion is evaluated by either
5.5 The resistance of textile materials to abrasion as mea-
determining the percent loss in breaking force of an abraded
sured by this test method does not include all the factors which
specimen compared to an unabraded specimen or the cycles to
accountforwearperformanceordurabilityinactualuse.While
rupture, or both.
the abrasion resistance stated in terms of the number of cycles
and durability (defined as the ability to withstand deterioration
5. Significance and Use
or wearing out in use, including the effects of abrasion) are
5.1 This test method is not recommended for acceptance
frequently related, the relationship varies with different end
testing of commercial shipments because information on
uses. Different factors may be necessary in any calculation of
between-laboratory precision is known to be poor.
predicted durability from specific abrasion data.
5.1.1 If there are differences of practical significance be-
5.5.1 Laboratory tests may be reliable as an indication of
tween reported test results for two laboratories (or more),
relative end use in cases where the difference in abrasion
comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is
resistance of various materials is large, but they should not be
a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical
relied upon where differences in laboratory test findings are
assistance. As a minimum, the test samples to be used are as
small. In general, the results should not be relied upon for
homogenous as possible, are drawn from the material from
prediction of performance during actual wear life for specific
which the disparate test results were obtained, and are ran-
end uses unless there are data showing the specific relationship
domlyassignedinequalnumberstoeachlaboratoryfortesting.
between laboratory abrasion tests and actual wear in the
Other fabrics with established test values may be used for this
intended end use.
purpose. The test results from the two laboratories should be
5.6 This test method is useful for pretreating material for
compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a
subsequent testing for strength or barrier performance.
probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is
5.7 The pressure and tension used is varied, depending on
found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future
themassandnatureofthematerialandtheend-useapplication.
test results must be adjusted in consideration of the known
Whenever possible, all materials that are to be compared with
bias.
each other should be tested under the same pressure and
5.2 The measurement of the resistance to abrasion of textile
tension.
fabrics is very complex. The resistance to abrasion is affected
5.8 When abrasion tests are continued to total destruction,
bymanyfactorsthatincludetheinherentmechanicalproperties
abrasion resistance comparisons are not practical for fabrics
of the fibers; the dimensions of the fibers; the structure of the
having a different mass because the change in abrasion
yarns; the construction of the fabrics; the type, kind, and
resistance is not directly proportional to the change in the
amount of treatment added to the fibers, yarns, or fabric; the
fabric mass.
nature of the abradant; the variable action of the abradant over
the specimen area abraded; the tension on the specimen; the
5.9 All the test methods and instruments that have been
pressure between the specimen and the abradant; and the
developed for abrasion resistance may show a high degree of
dimensional changes in the specimen.
variability in results obtained by different operators and in
different laboratories, however, they represent the methods
5.3 The measurement of the relative amount of abrasion can
most widely used in the industry. Because there is a definite
be affected by the method of evaluation and is often influenced
need for measuring the relative resistance to abrasion, this test
by the judgment of the operator. It is recognized that with this
method is one of several standardized test methods that is
testmethodothermeansofevaluationbesidescyclestorupture
useful to help minimize the inherent variation that may occur
and breaking strength have been used by the industry, such as
in results.
color change, appearance change, and so forth. Experience has
shown these to be highly variable parameters and they are not 5.10 These general observations apply to most fabrics,
recommended without exact criteria identified in an applicable including woven and nonwoven fabrics that are used in
material specification or contract. Consequently, the criteria of automotive, household, and wearing apparel applications.
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D3885 − 07a (2019)
6. Apparatus 6.1.3 Thumb Screw, that allows moving the clamp to pro-
6 vide slack take-up of the specimen.
6.1 Flex Abrasion Testing Machine (see Figs. 1 and 2),
6.1.4 Machine Stopping Mechanism, a microswitch, or
consisting of the following:
equivalent, to stop the machine, actuated by the release of the
6.1.1 BalancedHeadandFlexBlockAssembly, that has two
tension on the specimen when it ruptures.
parallel, smooth plates.
6.1.5 Cycle Counter, to record the number of cycles (double
6.1.1.1 The balanced head is rigidly supported by a double-
strokes) and stop the machine at fabric failure.
lever assembly to provide free movement in a direction
6.1.6 Automatic Shutoff, as part of the cycle counter or
perpendicular to the plate of the flex block. This head must
in-line timer, or equivalent, with set and stop mechanism
remain stationary during the test and must be balanced to
capable of stopping the machine at a predetermined number of
maintain a uniform vertical pressure from the dead weights.
cycles.
6.1.1.2 The flex block is capable of reciprocating at 115 6
6.1.7 CalibratedTensionWeights, with individual masses of
10 double strokes per minute of 25 6 2-mm (1 6 0.1-in.)
250, 500, and 1000 g ( ⁄2, 1, and 2 lbf) that can provide up to
stroke length.
a total of 2500 g (5 lbf) that fit on a weight rack that is attached
6.1.1.3 Clamps are secured to the front of each plate of the
by cables to the yoke to adjust tension to the specimen.
head and flex-block assemblies to permit mounting of the
Individual weight tolerances are 61%.
specimen. The clamps have surfaces that prevent slippage of
6.1.8 Calibrated Head Weights, with individual masses of
the specimen and permit the specimen after it has been folded
250, 500, and 1000 g ( ⁄2, 1, and 2 lbf) that can provide up to
over the abradant bar to be centrally positioned and aligned
a total of 2500 g (5 lbf) that fits on the balanced head, to apply
with its long direction parallel to the reciprocating flex bar.
pressure to the specimen. Individual weight tolerances are
6.1.2 Flexing Bar Yoke, sufficiently rigid to prevent distor-
61%.
tion during the specimen loading and capable of applying
6.2 Working Flex Bar, used for testing, 1.6 6 0.4 by 11.2 6
tension to the rigidly secured flexing bar with the force acting
1 1 7 1
1.6mm( ⁄16 6 ⁄64by ⁄16 6 ⁄16in.)incrosssection,madewith
parallel to the surface of the head and block assembly plates
tool steel tipped with an edge of cemented carbide. The top,
and perpendicular to the fold of the specimen such that an
bottom,andedgeofthebarthatisincontactwiththespecimen
evenly distributed tension is provided across the fold of the
is finished by grinding and polishing, leveling off the micro-
specimen.
scopicprojectionwithoutbreakingtheedgesofthebar.Thebar
6.1.2.1 A positioning device is provided to position the
is capable of firmly attaching to the yoke.
flexingbarandyokeassemblywhileloadingthespecimensuch
that the edge of the flexing bar is parallel to the fold of the
6.3 Standardized Master Flex Bar, to standardize the work-
specimen during the test. The positioning device is capable of
ing flex bar, including storage container to prevent bar damage,
moving into contact with the yoke prior to loading the
available from the manufacturer.
specimen and moving away from contact with the yoke just
6.4 CalibrationRibbon ,fusedacetateribbon,25mm(1in.)
prior to starting the test machine.
wide, available from the manufacturer.
6.5 TensileTestingMachine, of the CRE, CRL, or CRTtype
conforming to Specification D76, with respect to force
Apparatus and accessories are commercially available.
FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Flexing and Abrasion Tester
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D3885 − 07a (2019)
FIG. 2 Commercial Flexing and Abrasion Tester
indication, working range, capacity, and elongation indicator abrasion and parallel to the filling yarns for widthwise abra-
and designed for operation at a speed of 300 6 10 mm/min (12 sion. For nonwoven fabrics or fabrics not easily raveled, cut
6 0.5 in./min); or, a variable speed drive, change gears, or each specimen 25 mm wide. Take lengthwise specimens from
interchangeable full-scale force range as required to obtain 20 different positions across the width of the fabric. Take width-
6 3 s time-to-break. wise specimens from different positions along the length of the
fabric. Consider the long direction as the direction of test.
6.6 Nylon Brush, medium bristle, or equivalent.
Specimens preparation need not be carried out in the standard
6.7 Acetone, or other appropriate solvent to clean the flex
atmosphere for testing. Label to maintain specimen identity. If
bar (see 7.1)
tests are to be performed on unabraded tests, cut a second set
of four specimens from each fabric direction.
7. Hazardous Materials
8.3.1 For fabric widths 125 mm (5 in.) or more, take no
7.1 Solvents used in this test method may be hazardous.
specimen closer than 25 mm (1 in.) from the selvage edge, or
Refer to the manufacturer’s material safety data sheets for
within 0.5 m (0.5 yd) from the end of the roll or piece.
information on use, handling, storage, and disposal of solvents
8.3.2 For fabric widths less than 125 mm (5 in.), use the
used with this test method.
entire width for specimens but take no specimen closer than
one tenth of the width of the fabric, or within 0.5 m (0.5 yd)
8. Sampling and Test Specimens
from the end of the roll or piece.
8.1 Primary Sampling Unit—Consider rolls of fabric or
8.3.3 Cut specimens representing a broad distribution di-
fabric components of fabricated systems to be the primary
agonally across the width of the laboratory sampling unit.
sampling unit, as applicable.
Ensure specimens are free of folds, creases, or wrinkles.Avoid
8.2 Laboratory Sampling Unit—As a laboratory sampling
getting oil, water, grease, and so forth on the specimens when
unit take from rolls at least one full-width piece of fabric that
handling.
is1m(1yd)in length along the selvage (machine direction),
8.3.4 If the fabric has a pattern, ensure that the specimens
after removing a first1m(1yd) length. For fabric components
are a representative sampling of the pattern.
of fabricated systems use the entire system
8.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit,
9. Conditioning
cut four warp-wise (lengthwise) and four filling-wise (width-
9.1 Precondition the specimens by bringing them to ap-
wise) test specimens at least 200 mm (8 in.) long. For woven
proximate moisture equilibrium in the standard atmosphere for
fabrics, cut specimens either 32 mm (1 ⁄4 in.) wide if there are
preconditioning textiles in accordance with Practice D1776.
50 yarns per 25 mm (1 in.) or more, or 38 mm (1 ⁄2 in.) wide
if there are less than 50 yarns per 25 mm. Ravel each specimen 9.2 Conditionthetestspecimenstomoistureequilibriumfor
to a 25 mm width by removing from each side approximately testing in the standard atmosphere for testing textiles in
the same number of yarns. For woven fabrics, the long accordance with Practice D1776 or, if applicable, in the
dimensions are cut parallel to the warp yarns for lengthwise specified atmosphere in which the testing is to be performed.
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D3885 − 07a (2019)
NOTE 3—Alow level of head pressure is required to prevent rippling of
10. Preparation and Calibration of Test Apparatus
the fabric during testing. The rippling is caused by a high degree of
10.1 Ensure the test machine is on a level, steady table or
friction between fabric and the bar when abnormally high head pressures
base and free from vibration. This will minimize wobbling of are applied and results in insufficient relative motion between the bar and
the fabric specimen under test.
the flex bar.
10.2 Prepare, operate, and verify calibration of the abrasion
11. Procedure
tester using directions supplied by the manufacturer. Refer to
11.1 Test the test specimens in the standard atmosphere for
AnnexA1foradditionalinformationonmaintenanceofthetest
testing textiles, in accordance with Section 9.
apparatus.
11.2 Handle the test specimens carefully to avoid altering
10.3 For master and working bars, when installed, secure in
the natural state of the material.
the test machine with the identification numbers facing up.
11.3 Alternately press the start and stop buttons in rapid
10.4 Randomly take ten strips of calibration ribbon and
succession to jog the flex block to the rear starting position.
abrade until rupture using the working flex bar using a head
11.4 Rinse the flexing bar in degreasing solvent after each
load of 250 g (0.5 lbf) and a tension of 1000 g (2 lb). In
test. Wipe the plate surfaces with solvent-saturated tissue after
addition, this procedure should be used to verify the working
each test.
bar on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly, depend-
ing upon use. If working flex bars cannot be maintained within 11.5 Place the working flex bar into the yoke, ensuring it is
the 25 % limit, discard or return to the manufacturer to be properly seated with the carbide edge facing the rear of the
reground and calibrated. machine and the bar number face up.
11.6 Loosen the yoke positioner set screw and, using the
NOTE 2—The calibration ribbon can be prepared and randomized by
yoke positioner, move the flex bar forward, such that the
cutting 175 to 300 mm (9 to 12 in.) long strips from 2–50 m (2–50 yd)
rolls of ribbon. While cutting strips, place on a work bench such that the
carbide edge is approximately 3 mm (0.125 in.) to the rear of
first30stripsarelaidsidebyside,lefttoright.Cut30additionalstripsand
the scribed centerline mark on the left side of the upped head.
lay on top of the first set of strips, left to right. Continue cutting groups of
Tighten the yoke positioner set scr
...