ASTM D3217/D3217M-20

Standard Test Methods for Breaking Tenacity of Manufactured Textile Fibers in Loop or Knot Configurations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Both the loop breaking tenacity and the knot breaking tenacity, calculated from the breaking force measured under the conditions specified herein and the linear density of the fiber, are fundamental properties that are used to establish limitations on fiber-processing and upon their end-use applications. Physical properties, such as brittleness, not well defined by tests for breaking force and elongation can be estimated from the ratio of breaking tenacity measured in loop or knot tests, or both, and the normal tenacity as measured by Test Method D3822 provided both methods use the same gauge length and strain rate.  
5.2 This test method is not recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments in the absence of reliable information on between-laboratory precision (see Note 3). In some cases the purchaser and the supplier may have to test a commercial shipment of one or more specific materials by the best available method, even though the method has not been recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments. In such a case, if there is a disagreement arising from differences in values reported by the purchaser and the supplier when using this test method for acceptance testing, the statistical bias, if any, between the laboratory of the purchaser and the laboratory of the supplier should be determined with each comparison being based on testing specimens randomly drawn from one sample of material of the type being evaluated.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of the breaking tenacity of manufactured textile fibers taken from filament yarns, staple, or tow fiber, either crimped or uncrimped, and tested in either a double loop or as a strand formed into a single overhand knot.  
1.2 Methods for measuring the breaking tenacity of conditioned and wet (immersed) fibers in loop and knot form are included.  
1.3 Elongation in loop or knot tests has no known significance, and is usually not recorded.  
1.4 The basic distinction between the procedures described in these test methods and those included in Test Methods D2101 is the configuration of the specimen, that is, either as a double loop or in the configuration of a single overhand knot.  
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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: 30-Jun-2020
• ICS: 59.060.20 - Man-made fibres
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.58 - Yarns and Fibers

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4849-13(2018) - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3333-07(2018) - Standard Practice for Sampling Manufactured Staple Fibers, Sliver, or Tow for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• 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 D4849-13e2 - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4849-13e3 - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4849-13e1 - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4849-13 - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• 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 D3333-07(2012) - Standard Practice for Sampling Manufactured Staple Fibers, Sliver, or Tow for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D2258-99(2012) - Standard Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012

Overview

ASTM D3217/D3217M-20: Standard Test Methods for Breaking Tenacity of Manufactured Textile Fibers in Loop or Knot Configurations specifies procedures for measuring the breaking tenacity of single fibers in manufactured textile products. The standard outlines methods for evaluating fibers in either double loop or single overhand knot configurations, under both conditioned and wet (immersed) states. Breaking tenacity-the ability of a fiber to withstand force before breaking-is a fundamental property used by manufacturers, processors, and end-users to assess fiber quality, set limitations for textile processing, and determine suitability for final applications.

Key Topics

• Breaking Tenacity Measurement: Covers the procedures for measuring the breaking force and calculating tenacity (force per linear density) for individual fibers in loop or knot form. Tests are conducted using constant rate of extension tensile testing machines, following standardized gauge lengths and rates.
• Specimen Configurations: Distinguishes between double loop and single knot configurations, noting the impact of configuration on test outcomes.
• Testing Conditions: Includes methods for testing fibers in both dry (conditioned) and wet states, ensuring results reflect real-world textile applications.
• Sampling and Preparation: Defines requirements for random sampling, specimen preparation, and mounting, including detailed handling for different fiber forms (staple, tow, yarn).
• Reporting Requirements: Specifies information to be included in test reports, such as average breaking tenacity, ratios of loop/knot to straight tenacity, standard deviation, test conditions, and test equipment details.

Applications

• Quality Control: Enables textile manufacturers and processors to assess fiber integrity, set processing parameters, and compare consistency across lots.
• Material Development: Provides researchers and product developers with critical data for evaluating fiber modifications, treatments, or finishes aimed at improving textile performance.
• Product Specification: Assists in establishing minimum requirements for fiber strength in product standards and contractual agreements between suppliers and buyers.
• Diagnostic Tool: Offers insights into fiber brittleness and potential failure modes by evaluating the relationship between breaking tenacity in various configurations, helping identify susceptible areas in textile processing.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation of textile fibers, ASTM D3217/D3217M-20 references and is complemented by several other key ASTM standards:

• ASTM D76: Specification for tensile testing machines for textiles.
• ASTM D123: Terminology relating to textiles.
• ASTM D1577: Test methods for linear density of textile fibers.
• ASTM D1776: Practice for conditioning and testing textiles.
• ASTM D2258: Practice for sampling yarn for testing.
• ASTM D3333: Practice for sampling manufactured staple fibers, sliver, or tow for testing.
• ASTM D3822: Test method for tensile properties of single textile fibers.
• ASTM D4849: Terminology relating to yarns and fibers.

Practical Value

Adoption of ASTM D3217/D3217M-20 helps ensure consistent and reliable measurement of breaking tenacity in manufactured textile fibers, providing essential data for process optimization, risk assessment, and product performance validation. By standardizing test methods for fibers in loop and knot configurations, the textile industry can better understand material properties, troubleshoot quality issues, and innovate with confidence across a wide range of applications.

Keywords: breaking strength, fibers, textile fibers, breaking tenacity, knot configuration, loop configuration, tensile testing, ASTM D3217, quality control.

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:D3217/D3217M −20
Standard Test Methods for
Breaking Tenacity of Manufactured Textile Fibers in Loop or
Knot Configurations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3217/D3217M; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of the
D76 Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
breaking tenacity of manufactured textile fibers taken from
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
filament yarns, staple, or tow fiber, either crimped or
D1577 Test Methods for Linear Density of Textile Fibers
uncrimped, and tested in either a double loop or as a strand
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
formed into a single overhand knot.
D2101 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Single Man-
1.2 Methods for measuring the breaking tenacity of condi-
Made Textile Fibers Taken From Yarns and Tows (With-
tioned and wet (immersed) fibers in loop and knot form are
drawn 1995)
included.
D2258 Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing
D3333 Practice for Sampling Manufactured Staple Fibers,
1.3 Elongation in loop or knot tests has no known
Sliver, or Tow for Testing
significance, and is usually not recorded.
D3822 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Single Textile
1.4 The basic distinction between the procedures described
Fibers
in these test methods and those included in Test Methods
D4849 Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
D2101 is the configuration of the specimen, that is, either as a
double loop or in the configuration of a single overhand knot.
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology relating to D13.58, Yarns and
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Fibers, refer to Terminology D4849.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
breaking force, breaking tenacity, linear density for fiber and
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
yarn, manufactured staple fiber, tenacity.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined.
3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, refer to
Terminology D123.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Methods
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 4.1 Single-fiber specimens in the form of a loop as de-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. scribedin9.4.1arebrokenonaconstant-rate-of-extensiontype
testing machine at a predetermined rate of elongation and the
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
breaking force is determined.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 Single-fiber specimens in the form of a knot as de-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
scribedin9.4.2arebrokenonaconstant-rate-of-extensiontype
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
testing machine at a predetermined rate of elongation, and the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
breaking force is determined.
1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Textiles and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.58 on Yarns and contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Fibers. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2020. Published August 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3217/D3217M – 15. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D3217_D3217M-20. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3217/D3217M−20
between shipping units, between packages, ends, or other laboratory
4.3 The breaking tenacity is calculated from the breaking
sampling unit within a shipping unit if applicable, and within specimens
force registered on the force-elongation curve and the previ-
from a single package, end, or other laboratory sampling unit to provide
ously determined linear density.
a sampling plan with a meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s risk,
acceptable quality level, and limiting quantity level.
5. Significance and Use
7.2 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for accep-
5.1 Both the loop breaking tenacity and the knot breaking
tance testing, take at random from each shipping container in
tenacity, calculated from the breaking force measured under
the lot sample the number of laboratory sampling units as
the conditions specified herein and the linear density of the
directed in an applicable material specification or other agree-
fiber, are fundamental properties that are used to establish
ment between the purchaser and the supplier such as an
limitations on fiber-processing and upon their end-use appli-
agreement to use Practice D3333 or Practice D2258.
cations. Physical properties, such as brittleness, not well
Preferably, the same number of laboratory sampling units are
defined by tests for breaking force and elongation can be
taken from each shipping container in the lot sample. If
estimated from the ratio of breaking tenacity measured in loop
differing numbers of laboratory sampling units are to be taken
or knot tests, or both, and the normal tenacity as measured by
from shipping containers in the lot sample, determine at
TestMethodD3822providedbothmethodsusethesamegauge
random which shipping containers are to have each number of
length and strain rate.
laboratory units drawn.
5.2 This test method is not recommended for acceptance
7.2.1 For Staple Fiber—Take 50-g samples from laboratory
testing of commercial shipments in the absence of reliable
sampling units.
information on between-laboratory precision (see Note 3). In
7.2.2 For Sliver (or Top) or Tow—Take 1 m from the
some cases the purchaser and the supplier may have to test a
leading end which has a clean, uniform appearance.
commercial shipment of one or more specific materials by the
7.2.3 For Yarns—Prepare at least a 50-m skein from each
best available method, even though the method has not been
package.
recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments.
7.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit,
In such a case, if there is a disagreement arising from
take ten specimens at random. If the standard deviation
differences in values reported by the purchaser and the supplier
determined for the ten specimens is more than a value agreed
when using this test method for acceptance testing, the statis-
upon between the purchaser and the supplier, continue testing
tical bias, if any, between the laboratory of the purchaser and
in groups of ten specimens from the same laboratory sampling
the laboratory of the supplier should be determined with each
unit in the container until the standard deviation for all
comparison being based on testing specimens randomly drawn
specimens tested is not more than the agreed to value or, by
from one sample of material of the type being evaluated.
agreement, stop testing after a specified number.
6. Apparatus and Reagents
7.3.1 Carefully remove twist before taking specimens from
yarn. Using tweezers and grasping the specimens at the ends,
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine, conforming to Specification
gently remove the required number of specimens from the
D76 for Constant-Rate-of-Specimen-Extension-(CRE) type
laboratory sampling units for testing. In some cases, if speci-
machines, equipped with provisions for breaking fibers im-
mens are not to be tested immediately, place them on an
mersed in a liquid if such tests on a wet specimen are desired.
identified short-pile of plush surface for storage until ready to
6.2 Clamps, with flat jaws for gripping the fiber specimens
test.
designedtominimizeslippageintheclampsduringthetests,or
6.2.1 Tabs, of thin plastic or other material for use with
8. Conditioning
cementing techniques, and
8.1 Precondition and condition the specimens, as directed in
6.2.2 Cement or Adhesive—The adhesive must bind the tab
Practice D1776.
to the fiber without affecting an appreciable solution of the
8.1.1 Specimens that are to be tested wet need not be
latter or any change in the moisture content of the specimen.
preconditioned or conditioned.
6.3 Wetting Agent (0.1 % solution)—Use a nonionic aque-
ous solution.
9. Procedure
6.4 Jig, to aid in accurately mounting specimens on tabs at
9.1 Test Conditions:
the specified gauge length.
9.1.1 Standard—Test the adequately conditioned fibers as
7. Sampling
directed in Practice D1776.
9.1.2 Wet—Immerse the specimens in a 0.1 % solution of a
7.1 Lot Sampling—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
nonionic wetting agent for a minimum of 2 min before testing.
take at random the number of shipping containers directed in
To save time in the tensile testing machine, specimens whose
the applicable material specification
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3217/D3217M − 15 D3217/D3217M − 20
Standard Test Methods for
Breaking Tenacity of Manufactured Textile Fibers in Loop or
Knot Configurations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3217/D3217M; 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
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of the breaking tenacity of manufactured textile fibers taken from filament yarns,
staple, or tow fiber, either crimped or uncrimped, and tested in either a double loop or as a strand formed into a single overhand
knot.
1.2 Methods for measuring the breaking tenacity of conditioned and wet (immersed) fibers in loop and knot form are included.
1.3 Elongation in loop or knot tests has no known significance, and is usually not recorded.
1.4 The basic distinction between the procedures described in these test methods and those included in Test Methods D2101
is the configuration of the specimen, that is, either as a double loop or in the configuration of a single overhand knot.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.6 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D76 Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1577 Test Methods for Linear Density of Textile Fibers
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
D2101 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Single Man-Made Textile Fibers Taken From Yarns and Tows (Withdrawn 1995)
D2258 Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing
D3333 Practice for Sampling Manufactured Staple Fibers, Sliver, or Tow for Testing
D3822 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Single Textile Fibers
D4849 Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology relating to D13.58, Yarns and Fibers, refer to Terminology D4849.
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: breaking force, breaking tenacity, linear density for fiber and yarn,
manufactured staple fiber, tenacity.
3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, refer to Terminology D123.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.58 on Yarns and Fibers.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015July 1, 2020. Published April 2015August 2020. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20132015 as
D3217/D3217M – 13.D3217/D3217M – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D3217_D3217M-15.10.1520/D3217_D3217M-20.
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 ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3217/D3217M − 20
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 Single-fiber specimens in the form of a loop as described in 9.4.1 are broken on a constant-rate-of-extension type testing
machine at a predetermined rate of elongation and the breaking force is determined.
4.2 Single-fiber specimens in the form of a knot as described in 9.4.2 are broken on a constant-rate-of-extension type testing
machine at a predetermined rate of elongation, and the breaking force is determined.
4.3 The breaking tenacity is calculated from the breaking force registered on the force-elongation curve and the previously
determined linear density.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Both the loop breaking tenacity and the knot breaking tenacity, calculated from the breaking force measured under the
conditions specified herein and the linear density of the fiber, are fundamental properties that are used to establish limitations on
fiber-processing and upon their end-use applications. Physical properties, such as brittleness, not well defined by tests for breaking
force and elongation can be estimated from the ratio of breaking tenacity measured in loop or knot tests, or both, and the normal
tenacity as measured by Test Method D3822. provided both methods use the same gauge length and strain rate.
5.2 This test method is not recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments in the absence of reliable information
on between-laboratory precision (see Note 43). In some cases the purchaser and the supplier may have to test a commercial
shipment of one or more specific materials by the best available method, even though the method has not been recommended for
acceptance testing of commercial shipments. In such a case, if there is a disagreement arising from differences in values reported
by the purchaser and the supplier when using this test method for acceptance testing, the statistical bias, if any, between the
laboratory of the purchaser and the laboratory of the supplier should be determined with each comparison being based on testing
specimens randomly drawn from one sample of material of the type being evaluated.
6. Apparatus and Reagents
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine, conforming to Specification D76 for Constant-Rate-of-Specimen-Extension-(CRE) type machines,
equipped with provisions for breaking fibers immersed in a liquid if such tests on a wet specimen are desired.
6.2 Clamps, with flat jaws for gripping the fiber specimens designed to minimize slippage in the clamps during the tests, or
6.2.1 Tabs, of thin plastic or other material for use with cementing techniques, and
6.2.2 Cement or Adhesive—The adhesive must bind the tab to the fiber without affecting an appreciable solution of the latter
or any change in the moisture content of the specimen.
6.3 Wetting Agent (0.1 % solution)—Use a nonionic aqueous solution.
6.4 Jig, to aid in accurately mounting specimens on tabs at the specified gauge length.
7. Sampling
7.1 Lot Sampling—As a lot sample for acceptance testing, take at random the number of shipping containers directed in the
applicable material specification or other agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, such as an agreement to use Practice
D3333 or Practice D2258. Consider shipping containers to be the primary sampling units.
NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the purchaser or the supplier requires taking into account the variability between
shipping units, between packages, ends, or other laboratory sampling unit within a shipping unit if applicable, and within specimens from a single
package, end, or other laboratory sampling unit to provide a sampling plan with a meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level,
and limiting quantity level.
7.2 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for acceptance testing, take at random from each shipping container in the lot
sample the number of laboratory sampling units as directed in an applicable material specification or other agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier such as an agreement to use Practice D3333 or Practice D2258. Preferably, the same number of
laboratory sampling units are taken from each shipping container in the lot sample. If differing numbers of laboratory sampling
units are to be taken from shipping containers in the lot sample, determine at random which shipping containers are to have each
number of laboratory units drawn.
7.2.1 For Staple Fiber—Take 50-g samples from laboratory sampling units.
7.2.2 For Sliver (or Top) or Tow—Take 1 m from the leading end which has a clean, uniform appearance.
7.2.3 For Yarns—Prepare at least a 50-m skein from each package.
7.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit, take ten specimens at random. If the standard deviation determined
for the ten specimens is more than a value agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier, continue testing in groups of ten
specimens from the same laboratory sampling unit in the container until the standard deviation for all specimens tested is not more
than the agreed to value or, by agreement, stop testing after a specified number.
7.3.1 Carefully remove twist before taking specimens from yarn. Using tweezers and grasping the specimens at the ends, gently
remove the required number of specimens from the laboratory sampling units for testing. In some cases, if specimens are not to
be tested immediately, place them on an identified short-pile of plush surface for storage until ready to test.
D3217/D3217M − 20
8. Conditioning
8.1 Precondition and condition the specimens, as directed in Practice D1776.
8.1.1 Specimens that are to be tested wet need not be preconditioned
...