ASTM D5052-18(2023)

Standard Test Method for Permeability of Leather to Water Vapor

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended for use on all types of leathers.  
4.2 Water vapor permeability is one of several factors contributing to the relative comfort of footwear, handwear, and garments.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the permeability of leather to water vapor by measuring the rate at which water vapor passes through a test specimen. This test method does not apply to wet blue.  
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI 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 nonconformance with the standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.07 - Physical Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2013) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2007) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1610-00 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001

Overview

ASTM D5052-18(2023) is an internationally recognized standard issued by ASTM International, titled "Standard Test Method for Permeability of Leather to Water Vapor." This standard outlines a method for measuring the rate at which water vapor passes through leather, a property that is crucial for assessing the comfort level and performance of leather materials used in footwear, handwear, and garments. By providing a clear and consistent procedure, ASTM D5052-18(2023) ensures reliable and comparable results for manufacturers, quality assurance teams, and research and development professionals worldwide.

Key Topics

• Scope: The method applies to all types of leather except wet blue (unfinished, chromed-tanned hides). It can be used with both inch-pound and SI units, but values must not be intermixed to ensure compliance.
• Test Method Summary: The water vapor permeability of a leather specimen is measured by exposing different sides of the test piece to moist and dry air, then recording the rate of vapor transfer. The test involves specialized cups, desiccant, controlled air flow, and strict environmental conditioning.
• Significance and Use: Water vapor permeability is an important metric for assessing the breathability and comfort performance of leather articles. Higher permeability values generally mean better moisture management and user comfort.
• Safety and Compliance: All users must establish proper safety, health, and environmental procedures tailored to their specific circumstances before adopting this standard test method.

Applications

ASTM D5052-18(2023) is vital for a range of industries and practical uses, including:

• Footwear Manufacturing: Helps designers and manufacturers select leather materials that provide optimal breathability and moisture management for shoes, boots, and sandals.
• Apparel and Handwear: Used to ensure garments and gloves made from leather offer comfort by regulating internal moisture and minimizing discomfort caused by sweat.
• Quality Control and R&D: Supports consistent quality assessment of leather batches, aids in developing new leather treatments or coatings, and provides a benchmark for product claims about comfort performance.
• Specification Compliance: Required by many procurement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, to ensure materials meet established standards for water vapor permeability.
• International Trade: Aligns with World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles, facilitating market access and regulatory acceptance across borders.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to leather testing and characterization, the following ASTM standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM D5052-18(2023):

• ASTM D1610: Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing - outlines how to stabilize specimens before physical testing.
• ISO and National Standards: Many ISO standards as well as country-specific regulations reference or align with ASTM D5052 for global harmonization of testing practices.

By following ASTM D5052-18(2023), stakeholders ensure that leather products are evaluated consistently for water vapor permeability, contributing to the delivery of comfortable, high-quality, and reliable leather goods in diverse markets worldwide. This standard is essential for anyone involved in the design, production, or quality assurance of leather footwear, apparel, and accessories, supporting both product development and regulatory compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: D5052 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Permeability of Leather to Water Vapor
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5052; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the perme- 4.1 This test method is intended for use on all types of
ability of leather to water vapor by measuring the rate at which leathers.
water vapor passes through a test specimen. This test method
4.2 Water vapor permeability is one of several factors
does not apply to wet blue.
contributing to the relative comfort of footwear, handwear, and
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to garments.
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
5. Apparatus
system may not be exact equivalents, therefore, each system
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
5.1 Analytical Balance, accurate to 0.001 g.
from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the
5.2 Permeability Apparatus, as shown in Fig. 1. It shall
standard.
consist of an aluminum cup having approximately the dimen-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sions shown in Fig. 2 and a template, ⁄8 in. thick and 2.225 in.
2 2
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
6 0.025 in. in diameter [area is 0.0025 m,or25cm ], made
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of brass or other non-corrosive metal. As an alternate, alumi-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
num cups of the same approximate dimensions and mechani-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cally sealed can be used.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.3 Steel Stamping Die, 2.75 in. 6 0.1 in. in diameter.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.4 Constant Temperature and Humidity Chamber, which
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
may be either a laboratory, a cabinet, or a chamber with
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
circulated air maintained at standard condition (23 °C 61°C
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and 50 % 6 4 % relative humidity).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.5 Fan, capable of maintaining an air-flow over the surface
2. Referenced Documents
of the Permeability Apparatus at a velocity of at least 550 ft-
⁄min 6 50 ft/min [2.79 m⁄s 6 0.25 m/s].
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1610 Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Prod-
6. Reagents and Materials
ucts for Testing
6.1 Dessicant, consisting of fresh 8 mesh anhydrous cal-
3. Summary of Test Method
cium chloride.
3.1 In this test method the water vapor permeability is 6.2 Microcrystalline Wax, with a melting point of 70 °C or
measured after the test specimen is exposed to moist air on one
lower.
side and dry air on the other side.
7. Procedure
7.1 All specimens shall be conditioned as prescribed in
Practice D1610. Conditioning other than as prescribed shall be
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.07 on Physical Properties
noted in the results.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
7.2 Fill the aluminum cup with the desiccant to a height
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D5052 - 18. DOI:
1 1
10.1520/D5052-18R23.
between ⁄8 in. and ⁄4 in. [3.2 mm to 6.4 mm] below the level
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
of the rim, as shown in Fig. 1. Leave enough space so that
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
shaking of the dish, which must be done after each weighing,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. will mix the desiccant. Place the specimen, with the grain side
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D5052 − 18 (20
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