ASTM D6571-22

Standard Test Method for Determination of Compression Resistance and Recovery Properties of Highloft Nonwoven Fabric Using Static Force Loading

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The ability of a highloft nonwoven fabric to resist compression and recovery and elastic loss after compression are two basic physical properties that are measured to set specifications for certain end-use applications. This test method provides an inexpensive alternative for highloft producers, their suppliers and customers to determine compression resistance, and recovery properties thus better predicting their performance in the finished product.  
5.2 Compression resistance and recovery performance requirements of highloft nonwovens will vary according to the end-use application. Furniture, bedding apparel, and industrial applications do not require the same property values to satisfy their individual consumers. They will require resistance to compression and the ability to recover to some degree.  
5.3 Option 1 of this test method is used in the trade for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments. Compression recovery graphs from Option 2 can be helpful in comparing performance of different highloft nonwoven fabrics.  
5.3.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using this test method, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a significant 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 test samples that are as homogeneous as possible and that are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test samples should be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two laboratories should be compared using an appropriate statistical test for unpaired samples and an acceptance 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 the supplier must agree to interpret future test results ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of compression resistance and recovery properties of any type of highloft nonwoven fabric using a simplistic and economical applied static weight loading technique.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This test method offers two options for the measurement of compression resistance and recovery properties. Option 1 contains fewer steps and is, therefore, simpler. Option 2 makes more measurements and provides more details about the behavior of a fabric under these test conditions.  
1.5 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: 28-Feb-2022
• ICS: 59.080.30 - Textile fabrics
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.90 - Executive

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-09e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D123-09e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D123-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D123-07 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM D123-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2003
• Refers: ASTM D123-02 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002

Overview

ASTM D6571-22 is the Standard Test Method for Determination of Compression Resistance and Recovery Properties of Highloft Nonwoven Fabric Using Static Force Loading. This ASTM standard provides a reliable and cost-effective procedure for measuring two fundamental physical properties of highloft nonwoven fabrics: their resistance to compression and their ability to recover after compression. It is widely used by manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users to set material specifications and to predict the performance of highloft nonwovens in finished products for various industries.

This standard is recognized in conformity with international principles set by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring its applicability in a global context.

Key Topics

• Compression Resistance: Measures the ability of highloft nonwoven fabrics to oppose changes in thickness when subjected to static force.
• Compression Recovery: Assesses how well the fabric returns to its original thickness after the removal of compressive force.
• Elastic Loss: Evaluates the permanent loss in thickness (dimension) after compression cycles.
• Test Methods Options:
  • Option 1: A simplified process suited for acceptance testing of commercial shipments.
  • Option 2: A detailed approach that captures more comprehensive data, useful for in-depth performance comparison.
• Sampling Procedures: Describes methods for random sampling and specimen preparation to ensure homogeneous and unbiased test results.
• Statistical Bias and Precision: Recommends protocols for resolving measurement disputes, including inter-laboratory comparisons and the use of statistical tests.

Applications

The practical value of ASTM D6571-22 lies in its ability to provide manufacturers, quality managers, and purchasers with standardized, reproducible measurements of highloft nonwoven fabric properties. Key application areas include:

• Furniture: Evaluating cushioning materials to ensure durability and long-term performance under repeated compressive loads.
• Bedding and Apparel: Assessing fill materials for pillows, mattresses, winter clothing, and comforters, focusing on comfort and resilience after use.
• Industrial Uses: Testing nonwovens used as protective padding, insulation, filters, and automotive components, where consistent thickness and recovery attributes are critical.
• Quality Control and Material Certification: Serving as a reference method for managing supplier-buyer agreements, validating product quality, and troubleshooting process variability.

Related Standards

• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D2904: Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test Method
• General Highloft and Nonwoven Standards: Reference practice and terminology documents from ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles.

Practical Value

By implementing ASTM D6571-22, organizations can:

• Achieve consistent quality in highloft nonwoven products
• Optimize material selection and suppliers based on proven compression performance
• Enhance customer satisfaction in end-use applications where thickness recovery and resilience are essential
• Resolve quality disputes efficiently through clear, statistically supported procedures

This standard is an essential resource for anyone seeking to ensure the integrity and performance of highloft nonwoven fabrics across a wide range of industries.

Keywords: ASTM D6571-22, highloft nonwoven fabric, compression resistance, compression recovery, elastic loss, static force loading, textile testing, quality control, industrial standards, nonwoven material performance.

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: D6571 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Compression Resistance and Recovery
Properties of Highloft Nonwoven Fabric Using Static Force
Loading
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6571; 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 covers the measurement of compres-
sion resistance and recovery properties of any type of highloft
3. Terminology
nonwoven fabric using a simplistic and economical applied
3.1 Definitions:
static weight loading technique.
3.1.1 applied static force, n—in testing, the application of a
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
fixed force by action of gravity on a fixed mass.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 batting, n—a textile filling material consisting of a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
continuous web of fibers formed by carding, garnetting, air
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
laying, or other means.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 compression force, n—the perpendicular force applied
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
to surface(s) of a material in compaction.
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
3.1.4 compression recovery, n—the property of a material to
regain its original dimensions after release from compaction.
1.4 This test method offers two options for the measurement
of compression resistance and recovery properties. Option 1 3.1.5 compression resistance, n—the property of a material
contains fewer steps and is, therefore, simpler. Option 2 makes
to oppose its change in dimension under compaction.
more measurements and provides more details about the
3.1.6 dead-weight loading, n—in testing, a method of load-
behavior of a fabric under these test conditions.
ing in which a mass is supported solely by the specimen and
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- has no other mechanical connection to the test machine. Static
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- loading may be considered a synonym of dead-weight loading.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.7 elastic loss, n—the permanent loss of specimen’s
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
original dimension after the compression or tension force is
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
applied and then subsequently removed.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.8 highloft nonwoven fabric, n—a low-density fiber net-
work structure characterized by a high ratio of thickness to
2. Referenced Documents
mass per unit area.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms, refer to Terminol-
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
ogy D123.
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Aspecimen (one piece of or a stack of pieces) is placed
1 between two plates and the height of the stack measured. A
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.90 on Executive.
weight of specified mass is placed on the top plate for a
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally
specified period of time. The height of the specimen with the
ɛ1
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D6571- 01 which
mass in place is measured at specified time intervals. The mass
was withdrawn October 2008 and reinstated in March 2022. DOI: 10.1520/D6571-
is removed and the height of the stack is measured at specified
22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6571 − 22
time intervals. Compression resistance and recovery properties 6.4 Weight,piecesofmetal,liquid-filledcontainers,orother
are calculated using the height measurements. appropriate substitute of a specific mass to equal 7.26 kg (16
lb) used to compress highloft battings.
5. Significance and Use
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
5.1 The ability of a highloft nonwoven fabric to resist
compression and recovery and elastic loss after compression
7.1 LotSample—Asalotsampleforacceptancetesting,take
are two basic physical properties that are measured to set
at random the number of rolls directed in an application
specifications for certain end-use applications. This test
material specification or other agreement between the pur-
method provides an inexpensive alternative for highloft
chaser and the supplier. Consider the rolls, or pieces, of
producers,theirsuppliersandcustomerstodeterminecompres-
nonwoven material to be the primary sampling unit. In absence
sion resistance, and recovery properties thus better predicting
of such an agreement, take the number of rolls specified in
their performance in the finished product.
Table 1.
5.2 Compression resistance and recovery performance re-
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For the laboratory sample, take a
quirements of highloft nonwovens will vary according to the
swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately 1
end-use application. Furniture, bedding apparel, and industrial
m (1 yd) along the machine direction from each roll, or piece,
applications do not require the same property values to satisfy
in the lot sample. If the thickness of the sample is such that this
their individual consumers. They will require resistance to
length is not adequate to supply enough fabric for the testing,
compression and the ability to recover to some degree.
use a swatch that is twice this length. For rolls of fabric, take
asamplethatwillexcludetheouterwrapoftherollortheinner
5.3 Option 1 of this test method is used in the trade for the
wrap around the core
acceptance testing of commercial shipments. Compression
recovery graphs from Option 2 can be helpful in comparing
7.3 Test Specimens—Specimens should be taken randomly
performance of different highloft nonwoven fabrics.
from areas of the laboratory sample that are free of folds and
5.3.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
wrinkles and any distortions that make these specimens abnor-
reported test results when using this test method, the purchaser
mal from the rest of the test material. Unless otherwise
and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine
specified, take specimens randomly no nearer to the edges of
if there is a significant statistical bias between their laborato-
the sample than one tenth of the width of the sample. Test one
ries. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the
specimen from each sampling unit, or test three specimens
investigation of bias. As a minimum, the two parties should
representing the right, the center, and the left of each sampling
take a group of test samples that are as homogeneous as
unit, if the width exceeds 1 m.
possible and that are from a lot of material of the type in
7.3.1 Aspecimenconsistsofsufficient200by200mm(8by
question. The test samples should be randomly assigned in
8-in.) pieces of highloft nonwoven fabric which, when stacked,
equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average
measures at least 100 mm (4 in.) in height, or one piece of
results from the two laboratories should be compared using an
finished product that measures at least 100 mm in height.
appropriate statistical test for unpaired samples and an accep-
NOTE2—Forhighloftnonwovenfabrics,typically,fourtosixpiecesare
tance probability level chosen by the two parties before the
stacked to make a specimen.
testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its cause must be
7.3.2 Cutting Test Specimens—If making one test per unit,
found and corrected or the purchaser and the supplier must
cut the pieces for each specimen at random across and along
agree to interpret future test results with consideration of the
each laboratory sampling unit, preferably along the diagonal. If
known bias.
testing right, center, and left areas, cut the pieces needed for
NOTE 1—An adequate specification or the agreement between the
each specimen from the appropriate section of each laboratory
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
between rolls and within rolls to provide a meaningful producer’s risk,
sampling unit.
consumer’s risk, acceptance quality level, and limiting quality level.
8. Conditioning
6. Apparatus
8.1 No preconditioning is needed.
6.1 Steel Rule, graduated in at least 1 mm (0.05-in.)
8.2 Control the temperature for conditioning and testing
increments at least 150 mm (6 in.) long or suitable length to
between 20 °C and 24 °C (68 °F and 75 °F). No control of
measure specimens’ heights for the material of interest.
relative humidity is required.
6.2 Timer, such as a clock, capable of indicating the total
time interval of the test method (see 8.2) and graduated in
hours and minutes.
TABLE 1 Number of Rolls, or Pieces, of Nonwoven Material in
6.3 Plates:
the Lot Sample
6.3.1 Base or Bottom Plate, 230 mm by 230 mm by 6.35
Number of Rolls, Pieces in Lot Number of Rolls or Pieces in Lot Samples
mm (9-in. by 9-in. by 1⁄4-in.) plywood plate covered with Inclusive
aluminum foil, or a piece of aluminum sheet. 1to3 all
4to24 4
6.3.2 Cover or Top Plate, 230 mm by 230 mm by 6.35 mm
25 to 50 5
(9-in. by 9-in. by 1⁄4-in.) plywood plate covered with alumi-
over 50 10 % to a maximum of 10 rolls or pieces
num foil weighing 187 6 2 g (0.41 6 0.005 lb).
D6571 − 22
9. Procedure 9.3.9 Allow the specimen to relax for 1 h. Measure the
specimen height. Record this as the 4th relaxed height, J.
9.1 Height Measurements:
NOTE 3—Most samples reach their maximum recovery within an hour
9.1.1 For each height determination, make four measure-
after removal of the mass.
ments of distance from the top of the base plate to the bottom
of the cover plate, with a measurement at the midpoint of each 9.3.10 Allow the specimen to continue to relax for an
side of the cover plate. Make the four measurements in rapid additional 7 h and measure the specimen height. Record this as
succession and read to the nearest mm
...