ASTM D4970/D4970M-22

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Designation: D4970/D4970M − 16 D4970/D4970M − 22
Standard Test Method for
Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of
Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4970/D4970M; 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.
ε NOTE—In 10.1, the standard atmosphere for testing textiles shown in brackets was corrected from [70 6 20°F] to
[70 6 2°F] in April 2017.
ε NOTE—In 6.6.2, the conversion of 105 mm was corrected to 4.13 in. editorially in June 2017.
ε NOTE—In 8.2, “a pair” was editorially corrected to “four pairs” to match the language in 13.2.1 in January 2018.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance to the formation of pills and other related surface changes on textile
fabrics using the Martindale tester. The procedure generally is applicable to all types of fabrics, being particularly suitable for
woven fabrics.
NOTE 1—For other methods, if testing the pilling resistance of textiles, refer to Test Methods D3511/D3511M, D3512/D3512M, and D3514.
1.2 This test method is not suitable for fabrics thicker than 3 mm [0.125 in.] because such fabrics cannot be mounted in the
specimen holder.generally applicable to knit, woven, and nonwoven fabrics; however, material thickness may limit suitability for
testing due to specimen holder capacity.
1.3 The fabric may be laundered or dry cleaned before testing.testing as agreed upon among interested parties.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Physical Test Methods,
SpecificMethods B.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2022. Published February 2016December 2022. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20102016
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as D4970/D4970M – 16 . DOI: 10.1520/D4970_D4970M-16E03.10.1520/D4970_D4970M-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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D4970/D4970M − 22
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
D3511/D3511M Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester
D3512/D3512M Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Random Tumble
Pilling Tester
D3514 Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Elastomeric Pad
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods
D7018 Terminology Relating to Glass Fiber and Its Products
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
ADJD3512 Set of 5 Photographic Standards for Random Tumble Pilling Test
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology relating to D13.59, Fabric Test Methods, General, refer to TerminologiesTerminology D4850 and D7018.
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: cycle,fuzz,fuzz,Lissajous figure,movement,pilling resistance,pills.
3.2 For all other terms related to textiles, refer to Terminology D123.
3.3 fuzz, n—fiber ends that protrude from the surface of a yarn or fabric.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. ADJD3512.
D4970/D4970M − 22
3.4 Lissajous figure, n—any of an infinite variety of curves formed by combining two mutually perpendicular simple harmonic
motions, commonly exhibited by the oscilloscope, and used in studying frequency, amplitude, and phase relations of harmonic
variables.
3.4.1 Discussion—
as related to the Martindale Tester, geometric figure comprised of 16 arcs that start as a straight line, then become a widening
ellipse and narrow to again become a straight line.
3.5 movement, n—as related to the Martindale Tester, one rotation of the outer gearing of the Martindale tester, creating one of
the 16 arcs that form a Lissajous figure.
3.6 pills, n—bunches or balls of tangled fibers which are held to the surface of a fabric by one or more fibers. (Compare fuzz.)
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Pilling and other changes in the surface appearance, such as fuzzing, that occur in normal wear are simulated on a laboratory
testing machine. Fabrics are mounted on the Martindale Tester, and the face of the test specimen is rubbed against the face of the
same mounted fabric in the form of a geometric figure, that is, a straight line, which becomes a gradually widening ellipse, until
it forms another straight line in the opposite direction and traces the same figure again under light pressure for a specific number
of movements. The degree of fabric pilling or surface appearance change produced by this action is evaluated by comparison of
the tested specimen with visual standards that may be actual fabrics, or photographs of fabrics, showing a range of pilling
resistance. The observed resistance to pilling is reported using an arbitrary rating scale.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Acceptance Testing—This method of testing fabrics resistance to pilling is not recommended for acceptance testing. If it is used
for acceptance testing, it should be used with caution because interlaboratory data are not available. In some cases the purchaser
or supplier may have to test a commercial shipment of one or more specific materials by the best available method even though
the method has not been recommended for acceptance testing. Although this test method is not recommended for acceptance
testing, it is useful because it is used widely outside the United States.
5.2 If there is a disagreement arising from differences in values reported by the purchaser and the supplier when using this test
method, the statistical bias, if any, between the laboratory of the purchaser and the laboratory of the supplier should be determined
with comparison being based on testing specimens randomly drawn from one sample of material of the type being evaluated.
Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. A minimum of two parties should take a group of
test specimens, which are as homogeneous as possible and which are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
specimens then should be assigned randomly in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average test results from the two
laboratories should be compared using an acceptable statistical protocol and probability level chosen by the two parties before the
testing is started. Appropriate statistical disciplines for comparing data must be used when the purchaser and supplier cannot agree.
If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or the purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret future
results with consideration for the known bias.
D4970/D4970M − 22
FIG. 1 Martindale Abrasion Tester
FIG. 2 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation
5.3 The pilling of textile fabrics is a very complex property because it is affected by many factors that include type of fiber or
blends, fiber dimensions, yarn and fabric construction, and fabric finishing treatments. The pilling resistance of a specific fabric
in actual wear varies more with general conditions of use and individual wearers than in replicate fabric specimens subjected to
controlled laboratory tests. This experience should be borne in mind when adopting levels of acceptability for a series of standards.
5.4 Finishes and fabric surface changes may exert a large effect on pilling. It is recommended that fabrics be tested after laundering
or drycleaning, or both. Testing before refurbishing also may be advisable. Prior agreement between interested parties should
determine the state of the test.Fabrics may be tested as received or after refurbishing, or both (laundering or drycleaning, or both).
Interested parties shall agree on the state of fabric to be tested. The state of tested fabric shall be reported.
5.5 Pills vary appreciably in size and appearance and depend on the presence of lint and degree of color contrast. These factors
are not evaluated when pilling is rated solely on the number of pills. The development of pills may be accompanied by other
surface phenomena, such as loss of cover, color change, or the development of fuzz. Since the overall acceptability of a specific
fabric is dependent on both the characteristics of the pills and the other factors affecting the surface appearance, it is suggested
that fabrics tested in the laboratory be evaluated subjectively with regard to their acceptability and not rated solely on the number
of pills developed. A series of standards, based on graduated degrees of surface change of the fabric type being tested, may be set
up to provide a basis for subjective ratings. T
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