Abrasion resistance

Laboratory Abrasion Resistance Testing

What is ISO 12947-2?

Textiles — Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method — Part 2: Determination of specimen breakdown

ISO 12947-2 specifies a procedure for assessing fabric resistance to abrasion by subjecting test specimens to a controlled rubbing action against a standard abrasive material.

The test determines:

1. Fabric durability under repeated rubbing 
2. Resistance to wear and surface damage 
3. Number of abrasion cycles to specimen breakdown 
4. Suitability of textiles for end-use applications 

This testing is widely used for:

1. Apparel fabrics 
2. Upholstery fabrics 
3. Workwear 
4. Uniforms 
5. Automotive textiles 
6. Home textiles 
7. Technical textiles 

Importance of Abrasion Resistance Testing

ISO 12947-2 testing helps manufacturers:

1. Evaluate fabric durability 
2. Compare textile performance 
3. Improve product quality 
4. Meet retailer and brand specifications 
5. Support product development 
6. Reduce customer complaints 
7. Demonstrate compliance with international standards 

Many global brands specify minimum abrasion resistance requirements before approving textile products.

Principle of the Test

The test specimen is mounted in a Martindale abrasion tester and rubbed against a standard abrasive fabric under a specified pressure.

The specimen follows a complex Lissajous motion that simulates multidirectional wear encountered during actual use.

Testing continues until the fabric reaches a defined endpoint or specimen breakdown.

Martindale Abrasion Tester

The Martindale abrasion tester consists of:

1. Specimen holders 
2. Abrasive fabric 
3. Loading weights 
4. Motion mechanism 
5. Cycle counter 

The equipment ensures controlled and repeatable abrasion conditions.

Test Procedure

Sample Preparation

1. Test specimens are cut according to standard dimensions. 
2. Samples are conditioned under controlled laboratory conditions. 
3. Specimens are mounted in the test holders. 

Abrasion Testing

The mounted specimens are rubbed against the abrasive material under specified pressure.

The test proceeds for a predetermined number of cycles or until breakdown occurs.

Assessment

At defined intervals, laboratory specialists inspect the specimens for:

1. Yarn breakage 
2. Hole formation 
3. Surface wear 
4. Structural damage 

The number of cycles completed before breakdown is recorded.

Evaluation of Results

Results are typically reported as:

1. Number of abrasion cycles completed 
2. Abrasion resistance rating 
3. Specimen breakdown point 
4. Observed wear characteristics 

Higher cycle counts generally indicate better abrasion resistance and longer service life.

Typical Performance Levels

Acceptance criteria vary depending on product type and customer requirements.

Actual requirements should always be verified against customer specifications or product standards.

Common Causes of Poor Abrasion Resistance

Several factors can reduce abrasion performance:

1. Weak yarn structure 
2. Low fabric density 
3. Poor fiber quality 
4. Inadequate finishing processes 
5. Loose fabric construction 
6. Unsuitable fiber blends 

Optimized fabric design and manufacturing processes can significantly improve abrasion resistance.

Benefits of ISO 12947-2 Testing

Manufacturers benefit from abrasion testing by:

1. Improving product durability 
2. Supporting quality assurance programs 
3. Meeting buyer specifications 
4. Enhancing customer satisfaction  
5. Reducing product failures 
6. Demonstrating product performance 

Conclusion

ISO 12947-2 is one of the most widely recognized standards for evaluating textile abrasion resistance using the Martindale method. Reliable abrasion resistance testing helps manufacturers assess durability, improve product quality, and meet international buyer expectations.

Professional laboratories such as METS Laboratories utilize calibrated Martindale abrasion testing equipment and standardized procedures to provide accurate, repeatable, and dependable results.

As consumer expectations for durability continue to increase, abrasion resistance testing remains an essential part of textile quality assurance and performance evaluation programs.