The bursting strength of a textile is a physical property of fabric that describes the maximum pressure a fabric can withstand before rupture. ISO 13938-1 is used to understand fabric behavior under pressure points like elbow and knee joints with maximum applied stress. This article tells you about ISO 13938-1 in the textile testing lab.
What is Bursting Strength?
Simply, it shows how much pressure a fabric can take before bursting. During research and development (R&D) of textiles -including leather – as well as medical supplies, paper, plastics, and other similar packaging materials, materials are frequently tested for their bursting strength. This will help to understand material behavior under different stress and handling environments.
Similar Standards to Test Bursting Strength
Different test methods are used around the globe to measure bursting strength.
- ASTM D 3786 – A method used to measure the bursting strength of fabrics.
- GB/T 7742.1 – A Chinese method that describes the bursting properties of fabrics.
- JIS L 1018.6.17 – A Japanese method that deals with bursting strength
- FZ/T 60019 – A Chinese method of measurement of the bursting strength of nonwoven material.
- ISO 2960 – Determination of bursting strength and bursting distension — Diaphragm method (replaced by ISO 13938-1)
ISO 13938-1
In this method, a pumping device or compressor produces constant hydraulic pressure. The sample is clamped over a broad diaphragm using a circular sample holder. As the applied pressure due to increasing fluid volume is increased under the diaphragm, the sample and diaphragm bloat due to the balloon effect. As the pressure increased further, it caused the sample to burst. The difference between the total pressure required to burst the sample and the pressure used to inflate the diaphragm shows the fabric’s bursting strength.
Hydraulic Bursting Strength Tester
This machine is used to test bursting strength in the fabric testing laboratory. It has a hydraulic system for pressure, which is either achieved by oil or glycerin. The fluid is 96% chemically pure glycerin. The hydraulic system should be free of any external vibrations. Clamps are also used to uniformly secure test samples. The diaphragm used in the test is made of molded synthetic rubber.
Apparatus for ISO 13938-1
- Hydraulic Bursting Strength Tester
- Sample for testing
- Diaphragm
- Pressure gauge
Sample Preparation
- No specific sample size is needed for ISO 13938-1. The clamping method allows testing to be conducted without cutting test specimens. Don’t test fabric near selvages, wrinkled or folded portions, and places that don’t accurately represent fabric.
- Take a full-width fabric swatch of 1m. Cut it in 1*1 ft dimension for easy handling.
- Take fabric from different areas to get an average result.
- Cut at least 10 samples for testing.
Sample testingSamples Conditioning
Testing conditions for samples include standard atmospheric conditions described in ISO 139 i.e. 20 ± 2°C and relative humidity 65± 2%.
ISO 13938-1 Test Procedure
- Turn on the bursting Tester.
- Enter testing parameters like sample area, bursting pressure, and number of tests.
- Mostly, 50cm2 is applicable for knitted fabrics. Use a 100 cm2 test area or according to the need for technical fabrics.
- Constantly increase the volume of liquid in between 50 kpa and 100 kpa.
- Place the fabric over the diaphragm for testing. It should be relaxing, having no distortions.
- Clamp the fabric in a circular holder to prevent slippage.
- Enclose the safety cover and apply pressure.
- Observe the fabric while it bursts. Record the maximum pressure at the moment of burst.
- Check again from different locations for the mean value.
Screen showing parametersReport Formation
- State fabric sample description (woven, non-woven or knit, composition, blends used, etc.)
- Describe the sample state (wet or conditioned)
- Burst test machine along with its specifications.
- State the number of test samples and their result.
- Area of test surface under clamp.
- Mentions mean bursting strength in kpa (kilo Pascal).
- State testing conditions.
- State that this test is performed by ISO 13938-1.
Conclusion
ISO 13938-1 is a worldwide international standard that provides a standardized and reliable process for evaluating garments’ bursting strength and durability. It can be applied to knitted, woven, and non-woven fabrics in the textile industry for various end uses. It describes material resistance against tearing, puncturing, and withstanding stress in different environments.
Experience & Insights
- The fabric should not be clamped in a stretched state because it will allow more air to pass, which affects the results.
- The diaphragm should have a thickness of 2mm and be elastic enough to be in range of height at burst.
- The sample must be tested with the same parameters to compare results.
FAQs
What is the latest edition of ISO 13938-1?
Its latest edition was published in 2019 and replaces the old versions.
What is the unit of bursting strength of fabric?
Bursting strength is commonly measured in kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
What factors affect the bursting strength of fabric?
- Breaking strength and elongation properties of yarn.
- Thickness of fabric
- Warp or Weft per inch of fabric
- Yarn count and fabric cover factor
What is the ISO method for bursting test?
ISO method for bursting is ISO 13938. It has two parts. ISO 13938-1 deals with the tests due to hydraulic pressure, while ISO 13938-2 uses a pneumatic pressure system for results.
Why is bursting strength important?
It is an essential factor that describes general strength when pressure is applied. The manufacturers can use this test to analyze the fabric’s elasticity, durability, and performance. It ensures producers understand the wear and tear of the fabric.
How can we improve the bursting strength of fabric?
Typically, fabrics with high cover factors exhibit high bursting strength. Elasticity also plays a major role in defining bursting strength. Chemical finishes can also enhance fabric strength.
Which materials can be tested with ISO 13938?
ISO 13938 deals with the leather, paper, packaging, and textile industries.
Related Resources
How to choose textile bursting strength tester:Pneumatic or hydraulic?
What is fabric strength and how to test
ISO 13938 Electronic Pneumatic Bursting Strength Tester YG(B) 032Q
ISO 2960/ASTM D3786 Burst Strength Testing Machine YG(B)032T