ASTM D4772-09(2013)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow)
Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method may be used to test the surface water absorption of terry fabrics for bath towels, bath sheets, hand towels, kitchen towels, dishcloths, washcloths, beachwear, bathrobes, and the like. Different specifications may be needed for each of these fabrics because of different applications.5
5.2 It is recognized that surface water absorption is only one of the characteristics that the ultimate consumer may use in determining which terry fabric is acceptable. Consult Specification D5433 for other characteristics that may be applicable to terry fabrics.
5.3 This test method is recommended for quality control testing of terry fabrics during manufacturing and product comparisons of different terry fabrics by manufacturers, retailers, and users.
5.4 This test method may be used for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments of terry fabrics, but caution is advised since interlaboratory precision is known to be poor. Comparative tests as directed in 5.4.1 may be advisable.
5.4.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using this test method for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of laboratory sampling units (such as towels) that are as homogeneous as possible and that are from a lot of material of the type in question. The laboratory sampling units should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two laboratories should be compared using appropriate statistical analysis for unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two parties before the testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and supplier must ag...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method determines the ability of a terry fabric to rapidly absorb and retain liquid water from surfaces such as human skin, dishes, and furniture.
1.2 This test method is not applicable to non-terry fabrics such as huck towels, waffle-weave towels, crash towels, flour-sack towels, and nonwoven wipes. The steep angle of the specimen on the apparatus may cause a large amount of water to runoff these non-pile fabrics, or the lightweight/open structure of these fabrics may allow a large amount of water to completely pass through the specimen; thus the test result may not be a valid measure of a non-terry fabric's ability to absorb water.
1.3 This test method is not applicable to decorative terry fabrics that will not be used to absorb water from surfaces.
1.4 This test method is written in SI units. The inch-pound units that are provided are not necessarily exact equivalents of the SI units. Either system of units may be used in this test method. In case of referee decisions the SI units will prevail.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4772 − 09(Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Method for
Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4772; 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.
1. Scope Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (With-
drawn 2008)
1.1 This test method determines the ability of a terry fabric
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for
to rapidly absorb and retain liquid water from surfaces such as
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
human skin, dishes, and furniture.
D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel,
1.2 This test method is not applicable to non-terry fabrics
Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
such as huck towels, waffle-weave towels, crash towels,
D5433 Performance Specification for Towel Products for
flour-sack towels, and nonwoven wipes. The steep angle of the
Institutional and Household Use
specimen on the apparatus may cause a large amount of water
2.2 AATCC Standard:
to runoff these non-pile fabrics, or the lightweight/open struc-
Test Method 135 Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home
ture of these fabrics may allow a large amount of water to 4
Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics
completely pass through the specimen; thus the test result may
3. Terminology
not be a valid measure of a non-terry fabric’s ability to absorb
water.
3.1 For all terminology related to Subcommittee D13.59 on
Fabric Test Methods see Terminology D3136.
1.3 This test method is not applicable to decorative terry
fabrics that will not be used to absorb water from surfaces.
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
absorption, pile, surface water absorption, terry fabric.
1.4 This test method is written in SI units. The inch-pound
units that are provided are not necessarily exact equivalents of 3.3 For definitions of other textile terms see Terminology
the SI units. Either system of units may be used in this test D123.
method. In case of referee decisions the SI units will prevail.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Aterry fabric product with hems or with both hems and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
selvages (such as a bath towel), or a terry fabric without hems
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
or without both hems and selvages (such as a terry fabric cut
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
from a roll) is prepared for testing by preconditioning and
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
conditioning. Specimens are placed one at a time in an
embroidery hoop and then the hoop/specimen assembly is
2. Referenced Documents
placed at an angle on the base of the apparatus. After water
2.1 ASTM Standards:
flows down the surface of each specimen, the amount of water
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
retained by each specimen is measured. Six specimens are
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
tested, three on the face of the fabric and three on the back of
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
the fabric. The six observations are averaged to determine the
surface water absorption of the fabric.
5. Significance and Use
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.59 on Fabric Test Methods,
5.1 This test method may be used to test the surface water
General
absorption of terry fabrics for bath towels, bath sheets, hand
Current edition approved July 1, 2013. Published September 2013. Originally
ε1
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4772 – 09 . DOI:
10.1520/D4772-09R13. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.astm.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
the ASTM website www.aatcc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4772 − 09 (2013)
towels, kitchen towels, dishcloths, washcloths, beachwear,
bathrobes, and the like. Different specifications may be needed
for each of these fabrics because of different applications.
5.2 Itisrecognizedthatsurfacewaterabsorptionisonlyone
of the characteristics that the ultimate consumer may use in
determining which terry fabric is acceptable. Consult Specifi-
cationD5433forothercharacteristicsthatmaybeapplicableto
terry fabrics.
5.3 This test method is recommended for quality control
testing of terry fabrics during manufacturing and product
comparisons of different terry fabrics by manufacturers,
retailers, and users.
5.4 This test method may be used for the acceptance testing
of commercial shipments of terry fabrics, but caution is
advised since interlaboratory precision is known to be poor.
Comparative tests as directed in 5.4.1 may be advisable.
5.4.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup-
plier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statis-
tical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of
laboratory sampling units (such as towels) that are as homo-
geneous as possible and that are from a lot of material of the
type in question. The laboratory sampling units should then be
A = Hoop,
randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for
B = Base,
testing.Theaverageresultsfromthetwolaboratoriesshouldbe C = Funnel,
D = Valve,
compared using appropriate statistical analysis for unpaired
E = Graduate,
data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two
F = Pour Spout,
G = Pan, and
parties before the testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its
H = Adjustment Screw.
cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and
FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of a Typical Water Flow Tester
supplier must agree to interpret future test results with consid-
eration of the known bias.
6. Apparatus and Materials
6.1.3 The funnel, valve, fittings, tubing, and graduate
6.1 Water Flow Tester—This tester is not commercially mounted on the apparatus (see Fig. 2) must not restrict the flow
available, but it is not difficult or expensive to build. The tester
of water. The time between the opening of the valve and the
shown in Figs. 1-3 can be made from the parts and the series time the water has exited the graduate (except for a few drops)
of steps described in Annex A1; however, there are other must be less than 8.0 s. (The tester shown in Figs. 2 and 3 has
acceptable ways to build the tester. Sections 6.1.1-6.1.4 indi-
a mean of 5.7 s and a standard deviation of 0.5 s).
cate the critical factors which must be incorporated into the 6.1.4 The hoop/specimen assembly must be mounted on the
design of the tester.
base in a manner to direct all water not absorbed by the
6.1.1 The hoop/specimen assembly must be at 1.1 rad (60°) specimen toward the pan (see Figs. 1-3). It is especially
to the table top (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3).
important that any water that passes completely through the
6.1.2 The 50-mL graduate mounted on the apparatus must specimen is directed toward the pan and is not allowed to be
be parallel to the table top (see Figs. 1 and 2). The pour spout
absorbed by the lower portion of the specimen, or the edge of
on this graduate must be 3.0 6 0.2 cm (1.18 6 0.08 in.) down the laboratory sampling unit, or held where the hoop contacts
from where the adjustment screw bracket joints the outer hoop
the base.
and 0.6 6 0.4 cm (0.24 6 0.16 in.) away from the hoop/
6.2 Embroidery Hoop, 15.3-cm (6-in.) outer diameter of
specimen assembly (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3).
inner hoop. If the hoop is made of wood, it must have a
water-resistant finish (such as a marine varnish).
6.3 Graduate, Polymethylpentene (PMP) 50 mL.
The relationship between water and textiles is complex. For information on the
different forms of interaction between water and textiles see: Zeronian, S. H. 6.4 Distilled or Deionized Water, at 21 6 1°C (70 6 2°F).
“Analysis of the Interaction Between Water and Textiles,” pages 117–128 in
6.5 Laboratory Sampling Unit Conditioning Equipment,
Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory, American Association of Textile
Chemists and Colorists, third edition, 1984, edited by J. W. Weaver. facilities such as a multiple shelf/rod conditioning rack (for
D4772 − 09 (2013)
FIG. 2 A Typical Water Flow Tester
FIG. 3 The Water Flow Tester with the Laboratory Sampling Unit
in Place
example see Practice D1776) or a clothesline and clothespins.
For more information see 9.2.
6.6 Tumble Dryer, equivalent to the one described in provide a sampling plan with a meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s
risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting quality level.
AATCC Test Method 135.
7.2 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for accep-
6.7 Washing Machine, equivalent to the one described in
tance testing, take the number of laboratory sampling units
AATCC Test Method 135.
specified in the agreement between the purchaser and the
6.8 Detergent, heavy duty granule, equivalent to The 1993
supplier. Take the laboratory sampling units as follows:
AATCC Standard Reference Detergent described in AATCC
7.2.1 Recommended Laboratory Sampling Unit—Because
Test Method 135 or any detergent agreed upon by the pur-
this is a nondestructive test method, the recommended labora-
chaser and the supplier that does not include fabric softener or
tory sampling unit is a terry fabric product with hems or with
bleach.
both hems and selvages (such as a bath towel). The fabric
shouldbedyedandfinishedastheconsumerwouldpurchaseit.
7. Sampling
A fabric approximately 112 (lengthwise direction) by 56 cm
7.1 LotSample—Asalotsampleforacceptancetesting,take
(44 by 22 in.) or larger is easier to test than a small fabric as all
at random the number of shipping cartons or the number of
six observations can be made on one fabric, but the procedure
rollsoffabricdirectedinanapplicablematerialspecificationor
allows for testing a small fabric such as a hand towel (see Note
other agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
2).
Consider shipping cartons or rolls of fabric to be the primary
NOTE 2—A 20.0 by 20.0-cm (7.87 by 7.87-in.) fabric is the smallest
sampling units, see Note 1.
laboratory sampling unit that can be tested on the apparatus. Six of these
NOTE 1—Any agreement between the purchaser and supplier must take small laboratory sampling units will be needed to provide the six
into account the variability between rolls, bolts, or pieces of fabric and observations. In choosing the size of the laboratory sampling unit, keep in
between specimens from a swatch of fabric from a roll, bolt, or piece, or mind that terry fabric has a high degree of shrinkage during washing and
between cartons of garments and between garments within a carton, to drying.
D4772 − 09 (2013)
7.2.2 Alternate Laboratory Sampling Unit—As an alterna-
tive to the procedure described in 7.2.1, a terry fabric without
hems or without both hems and selvages can be used (such as
a terry fabric cut from a roll). The fabric should be dyed and
finished as the consumer would purchase it. A fabric approxi-
mately 112 (lengthwise direction) by 56 cm (44 by 22 in.) or
larger is easier to test than a small fabric as all six observations
can be made on one fabric, but the procedure allows for testing
a small fabric (see Note 2).
7.3 Specimens—After the laboratory sampling unit(s) has
been prepared as directed in Section 8 and conditioned as
directed in Section 9, take six specimens (the area inside the
hoop) by locating the hoop on the laboratory sampling unit(s)
as follows:
7.3.1 Foralaboratorysamplingunit(s)thatisapproximately
112 (lengthwise direction) by 56 cm (44 by 22 in.) or larger,
locate the hoop as shown in Fig. 4.
7.3.2 For a laboratory sampling unit(s) that is not large
enough to locate the hoop so that all six specimens are on one
laboratory sampling unit, alternate the hoop from face to back
using as many laboratory sampling units as needed to obtain
the six specimens.
8. Preparation of the Laboratory Sampling Unit
8.1 Recommended Preparation of the Laboratory Sampling
FIG. 4 Location of the Hoop for a Large Laboratory Sampling
Unit—The recommended preparation of the laboratory sam-
Unit Such as a Bath Towel
pling unit uses a dryer to precondition the laboratory sampling
unit and raise the pile so it is not matted down. See 6.6 for a
description of the dryer. The procedure is as follows:
8.1.1 If fabric softener has recently been used in the dryer,
purchaser and the supplier, however, must agree on the number
dry a 3.6-kg (8-lb) dummy load of desized unsoftened fabrics
of washing and drying cycles. This procedure may cause more
which will not be tested, and then repeat this procedure with a
variation in the test result than the procedure described in 8.1
different dummy load of 3.6 kg (8 lb) of desized unsoftened
and it is not recommended for acceptance testing unless there
fabrics.
has been an agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
8.1.2 Clean the lint filter.
This procedure uses the equipment and the supplies described
8.1.3 Load the dryer with laboratory sampling units that
in 6.6-6.8. The procedure is as follows:
comprise a homogeneous load (for example, same
8.2.1 If fabric softener has recently been used in the washer
manufacturer, same line, same finishing, and same previous
or dryer, wash or dry or both a 3.6-kg (8-lb) dummy load of
care). It is not necessary to have a full load in the dryer, so it
desized unsoftened fabrics which will not be tested, and then
is acceptable to load only one laboratory sampling unit into the
repeat this procedure with a different dummy load of 3.6 kg (8
dryer.
lb) of desized unsoftened fabrics.
8.1.4 Select normal cycle, medium temperature (see Termi-
8.2.2 If the washer has a lint filter, clean the lint filter.
nology D3136, and AATCC Test Method 13
...
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