ASTM D6015-21

Standard Test Method for Static Water Absorption of Leather

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to determine compliance with specifications for water absorption of upper leather. The significance of the test method is limited by the static conditions employed, and the results do not reflect the water absorption under dynamic conditions of flexing.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of water absorbed by leather at 23 °C ± 2 °C by immersion under static conditions. It may be used on all types of leather. This test method does not apply to wet blue or wet white.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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: 30-Nov-2021
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.03 - Footwear

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1517-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2013) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1517-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2813-03(2008) - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2007) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1517-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1517-04e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1517-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1517-99(2004) - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2813-03 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• 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
• Refers: ASTM D1517-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM D2813-97 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1997

Overview

ASTM D6015-21: Standard Test Method for Static Water Absorption of Leather establishes a precise laboratory procedure to determine the water absorption of leather materials under static immersion conditions. Used by manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and regulatory agencies, this standard supports the evaluation of leather's suitability-especially upper leather-for applications where controlled water absorption is important. This method is applicable to all types of leather except wet blue and wet white and is recognized internationally for its alignment with World Trade Organization standardization principles.

Key Topics

• Test Purpose: Determines the percentage of water absorbed by leather at a controlled temperature (23 °C ± 2 °C) via complete static immersion.
• Applicable Leather Types: Can be used for all leathers except wet blue and wet white.
• Test Environment: Conducted at room temperature with all specimen surfaces exposed to water, enabling consistent comparison between samples.
• Units of Measurement: The standard uses inch-pound units; SI units are included for informational purposes.
• Safety Considerations: Users must ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations before implementing the test.
• Compliance Assessment: The method is routinely used to verify if leather materials meet design and manufacturing specifications for water absorption.
• Static Limitations: Results reflect static conditions and do not represent dynamic usage scenarios such as flexing or bending.

Applications

The ASTM D6015-21 static water absorption test offers practical value for a range of applications:

• Footwear and Upper Leather: Verifying that upper leather materials meet required water absorption standards ensures product quality and longevity in shoes, boots, and other leather footwear.
• Quality Assurance: Manufacturers and suppliers use the test to maintain consistent leather properties in their finished goods, minimizing product failures.
• Material Selection: Engineers and designers assess water absorption data when choosing appropriate leathers for products exposed to moisture or wet environments.
• Compliance Documentation: This method is widely recognized and accepted for demonstrating conformity to specification requirements for water resistance.
• Research and Development: Material scientists and R&D teams employ the test during the innovation of new leather processing techniques or performance enhancements.

Related Standards

To support testing and ensure comprehensive coverage of leather properties, ASTM D6015-21 references or complements several important standards:

• ASTM D1517 – Terminology Relating to Leather
• ASTM D1610 – Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• ASTM D2813 – Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests

Additional relevant standards include methods for measuring dynamic water absorption and other physical properties, supporting a holistic approach to leather quality assurance.

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By standardizing the assessment of static water absorption, ASTM D6015-21 ensures consistent, reliable data for the leather industry, aiding in regulatory compliance, material innovation, and the production of high-quality leather goods worldwide. Use of this method strengthens quality control protocols and supports informed decision-making in leather manufacturing and product development.

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: D6015 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Static Water Absorption of Leather
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6015; 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. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount 4.1 In this test method the amount of water absorbed by a
of water absorbed by leather at 23 °C 6 2 °C by immersion leather specimen is measured at room temperature with all
under static conditions. It may be used on all types of leather. surfaces exposed to water.
This test method does not apply to wet blue or wet white.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
5.1 This test method is used to determine compliance with
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
specifications for water absorption of upper leather. The
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
significance of the test method is limited by the static condi-
and are not considered standard.
tions employed, and the results do not reflect the water
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
absorption under dynamic conditions of flexing.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. Apparatus
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6.1 Beaker, 1000 mL.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.2 Balance, sensitive to 0.01 g.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.3 Blotting Paper.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.4 Timer.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.5 1000 g of weight.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
7. Test Specimen
2. Referenced Documents
7.1 When taking test specimens from skins or hides refer to
2.1 ASTM Standards: Practice D2813.
D1517 Terminology Relating to Leather
7.2 The test specimen shall be a square of leather approxi-
D1610 Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Prod-
mately 4 in. by 4 in. (102 mm by 102 mm).
ucts for Testing
7.3 Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification,
D2813 Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and
one specimen from each test unit of sample shall be tested.
Chemical Tests
7.4 Prior to testing, the specimen shall be conditioned
3. Terminology
according to Practice D1610.
3.1 For definitions of leather terms used in this test method
8. Procedure
refer to Terminology D1517.
8.1 Weigh the specimen to the nearest 0.01 g and record the
mass as W .
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
8.2 One to three specimens shall be completely immersed in
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.03 on Footwear.
a 1000 mL beaker of distilled water at 23 °C 6 2 °C. This
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published January 2022. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6015 - 14. DOI:
10.1520/D6015-21.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Blotting paper suitable to meet requirements of this method can be purchased
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM at either: AATCC, Order #08344a, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 27709-2215, www.aatcc.org or Testfabrics Inc., P.O. Box 26, West Pittiston, PA
the ASTM website. 18643, www.testfabrics.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6015 − 21
sh
...

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: D6015 − 14 D6015 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Static Water Absorption of Leather
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6015; 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
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of water absorbed by leather at 2323 °C 6 2°C2 °C by immersion
under static conditions. It may be used on all types of leather. This test method does not apply to wet blue. blue or wet white.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1517 Terminology Relating to Leather
D1610 Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
D2813 Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of leather terms used in this test method refer to Terminology D1517.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 In this test method the amount of water absorbed by a leather specimen is measured at room temperature with all surfaces
exposed to water.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D31 on Leather and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.03 on Footwear.
Current edition approved May 1, 2014Dec. 1, 2021. Published June 2014January 2022. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20102014 as
D6015 - 10.D6015 - 14. DOI: 10.1520/D6015-14.10.1520/D6015-21.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6015 − 21
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used to determine compliance with specifications for water absorption of upper leather. The significance
of the test method is limited by the static conditions employed, and the results do not reflect the water absorption under dynamic
conditions of flexing.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Beaker, 1000 mL.
6.2 Balance, sensitive to 0.01 g.0.01 g.
6.3 Blotting Paper.
6.4 Timer.
6.5 1000 g 1000 g of weight.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 When taking test specimens from skins or hides refer to Practice D2813.
7.2 The test specimen shall be a square of leather approximately 44 in. by 4 in. (102(102 mm by 102 mm).
7.3 Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification, one specimen from each test unit of sample shall be tested.
7.4 Prior to testing, the specimen shall be conditioned according to Practice D1610.
8. Procedure
8.1 Weigh the specimen to the nearest 0.01 g 0.01 g and record the mass as W .
8.2 One to three specimens shall be completely immersed in a 1000 mL 1000 mL beaker of distilled water at 23°C23 °C 6
2°C.2 °C. This should be done in such a manner that the surface of the specimens do not touch each other.
8.3 After 1 h 61 min immersion, 6 1 min or other agreed upon immersion time interval, the specimens shall be removed from
the beaker and the surface water fr
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