AATCC 117 Color Fastness to Sublimation

The AATCC 117 test evaluates dye sublimation resistance, particularly for polyester and other synthetic textile materials. It measures thermal dye migration and staining under controlled, high-temperature conditions, ensuring color stability during heat-transfer printing, curing, and industrial finishing processes to ensure reliable textile performance.

Definition of Color Fastness to Sublimation Test

AATCC 117 is a standardized test method which is used to evaluate color fastness to dry heat or sublimation in synthetic textiles. It determines the tendency of dyes- especially disperse dyes to volatilize and transfer from the surface of the fabric when exposed to high temperature. This test is important for assessing the dye’s thermal stability and ensuring that the fabric retains its original shade without staining adjacent materials during heat-intensive processes.

Sublimation Fastness Tester

This test can be performed using an advanced Darong Sublimation Fastness Tester, which offers precise temperature control, a uniform heating surface and consistent pressure application. This equipment accurately simulates industrial dry-heat conditions, ensuring compliance with AATCC TM117 and enabling reliable evaluation of dye sublimation behavior in textile labs.

Science Behind Sublimation Test

This test is based on the sublimation characteristics of disperse dyes, which are usually applied to the hydrophobic fibers such as polyester. At high temperatures, typically around 180°C, these dyes gain sufficient kinetic energy to transition directly from the solid state to the vapor phase, and, due to weak molecular interactions with the fibers, the vaporized dye molecules can migrate and redeposit onto adjacent materials. This phenomenon is governed by factors such as molecular weight, vapor pressure, and the affinity between the dye and the fibers. This test replicates industrial heat-exposure conditions and provides a scientific basis for evaluating dye volatility and fixation stability in high-temperature textile applications.

Colorfastness to Sublimation – AATCC 117

Preparation of the Testing Specimen

The dyed textile testing specimen is cut into standard dimensions, usually 40X100 mm, and then placed in direct contact with an undyed adjacent fabric, usually polyester or a specified type of fiber such as multifiber. Proper alignment and intimate contact between the layers are essential for ensuring uniform dye transfer during heat exposure.

Conditioning of the Testing Specimen

The testing specimen and adjacent fabric are conditioned under standard atmospheric conditions of 20 ± 2°C temperature and 65 ± 4% relative humidity. This step ensures moisture equilibrium within the fabric, minimizing environmental variations and improving the consistency and reproducibility of test results.

Testing Procedure

The conditioned testing specimen is placed between the heated plates of the Darong sublimation fastness tester. The temperature is usually set around 180°C, and a defined pressure is applied. The specimen is exposed to dry heat for approximately 30 seconds, then carefully removed and allowed to cool on a flat surface without disturbance to prevent secondary staining or handling errors.

Evaluation of the Testing Results

After cooling, the testing specimen is separated from the adjacent fabric. The evaluation process focuses on the color change of the original fabric, which indicates the loss or degradation of dye molecules, and on staining on the adjacent fabric, which clearly indicates sublimation and transfer of the dye molecules.

Assessment is usually conducted using a grey-scale rating that ranges from Grade 1 to Grade 5. For the most precise analysis, the instrumental color measurement using a spectrophotometer can be used.

Report Preparation

A comprehensive testing report is important for ensuring traceability, quality assurance, and compliance with international standards. The report must clearly reference AATCC TM117 as the test method, and include detailed sample identification, such as fiber composition, dye type, and fabric construction.

The testing parameters must be accurately recorded, including temperature, pressure, and exposure time, and the type of adjacent fabric should also be noted.

Results should be reported using a grey scale rating for both shade change and staining. The use of the Darong sublimation fastness tester should be mentioned to ensure the reproducibility and credibility of the testing method. If there is any deviation from the standard procedure, it must be clearly stated.

Which Types of Industries Require This Test

This test is important for industries that work with synthetic and head-sensitive textiles. The heat transfer printing industry relies entirely on this test to prevent color bleeding and design distortion during high-temperature applications. Both sportswear and activewear manufacturers require the highest sublimation resistance due to polyester-based fabrics, and the automotive textile industries use this test for interior materials exposed to heat. Home textile producers, including those producing curtains and upholstery, also rely on this evaluation, and the technical textile and fashion apparel sectors use it to ensure long-term color durability under thermal conditions.

Conclusion

The color fastness to sublimation test is an important method for evaluating the stability of dye molecules in synthetic textiles under high-temperature exposure. The use of advanced instruments such as the Darong sublimation fastness tester ensures accurate and reproducible results. This test is most important for polyester and disperse dyed fabrics, where the risk of sublimation is high. Implementing this test helps manufacturers maintain consistent color quality, meet international standards, and deliver high-performance textile products suitable for heat-intensive applications.

FAQs

What is AATCC 117 colorfastness to sublimation?

AATCC TM117 is a standard test method for evaluating colorfastness to sublimation in synthetic textiles. This test measures how dyes behave under high-temperature conditions, specifically their tendency to vaporize and transfer, which ensures color stability during industrial heat processes.

Why is sublimation fastness testing important for polyester fabrics?

Its main reason is that all the polyester fabrics are dyed with disperse dye, which is prone to sublimation under high temperatures. This test helps prevent color bleeding, staining, and shade variation and ensures performance during heat-transfer printing, ironing, and thermofixation processes.

What temperature is used in AATCC 117 testing?

The standard test temperature is usually 180°C, and it may vary depending on end-use requirements. This temperature simulates the real industrial heat conditions, such as curing and transfer printing.

What type of dyes are mostly affected by sublimation?

Disperse dyes used for polyester and its blends are the most susceptible to sublimation due to their low molecular weight and high vapor pressure, making them more likely to migrate under heat.

What equipment is used for AATCC 117 test?

A sublimation fastness tester, such as the Darong model, is used to ensure precise temperature control, uniform pressure, and consistent heating, all of which are important for reliable and reproducible test results.

How is color fastness to sublimation evaluated?

The evaluation of this test is done using the grey scale for color change and staining, with ratings from Grade 1 (poor) to Grade 5 (excellent). The advanced lab also uses a spectrophotometer to measure ΔE, the color difference.

What is dye sublimation in textiles?

The sublimation of dye molecules is a process in which dye molecules convert directly from the solid state to the vapor state under heat and then redeposit on another surface. This can cause unwanted staining or color loss in fabrics.

What factors affect the sublimation fastness results?

There are many factors that can affect the results, including temperature, exposure time, pressure, dye chemistry, and fiber type. Improper fixation of dye molecules or high dye volatility can significantly reduce sublimation resistance.

Which industries require AATCC 117 testing?

Different industries, such as sportswear, heat transfer printing, automotive textiles, and home furnishings, rely on this test to ensure thermal color stability, especially for synthetic materials such as polyester.

How can sublimation fastness be improved in textiles?

The sublimation fastness can be improved by using high-energy disperse dyes, optimized thermofixation, proper dye selection, and controlled finishing processes, thereby enhancing dye-fiber interaction and reducing volatility under heat.

Related Resources

Mastering Color Fastness: Test Methods and Techniques for Exceptional Results

ISO 105-X11 Scorch Fastness Test

AATCC 117/AATCC 133 Color Fastness to Scorch and Sublimation