ASTM D2102-02(2018)

Standard Test Method for Shrinkage of Textile Fibers (Bundle Test)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Limited accuracy in measuring the change in length produces errors in estimating values for shrinkage below 10 %. However, this test is being used for low level shrinkage fibers because the results give have been found to give an adequate indication of average shrinkage at the lower levels. The test is not adequate for determining variability in average shrinkage at low levels. If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such a comparative tests that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.  
5.2 This test method for testing the shrinkage of fibers is not recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fibers because only a limited amount of data is available. See Section 14.  
5.3 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fibers; but caution is advised since information on between laboratory precision is incomplete. Comparative tests as directed in 5.1 are advised.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the unrestrained shrinkage of a bundle of crimped or uncrimped fibers from exposure to some environment, for instance, boiling water for 15 min.  
1.1.1 This test method may be used on fibers from tow and fibers removed from spun or continuous filament yarn.  
Note 1: For measurement of shrinkage of single fibers, refer to Test Method D5104.  
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents, therefore, each system must be used independently of the other.  
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-Jun-2018
• ICS: 59.060.01 - Textile fibres in general
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.58 - Yarns and Fibers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2102-02(2012)e1 - Standard Test Method for Shrinkage of Textile Fibers (Bundle Test)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-20 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• 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 D1776/D1776M-16 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• 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 D1776/D1776M-15 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4849-13e1 - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4849-13e2 - 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 D4849-13e3 - Standard Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM D2102-02(2018), Standard Test Method for Shrinkage of Textile Fibers (Bundle Test), defines the measurement of unrestrained shrinkage in textile fibers using a bundle of parallel fibers exposed to a specified environment, such as boiling water. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a method for estimating the average dimensional change in both crimped and uncrimped fibers, including those from tow and continuous filament yarns.

The bundle test is particularly relevant for fibers with low shrinkage levels, where it offers an adequate indication of average shrinkage, although it is less suitable for assessing variability at these levels. The test method supports process control, product development, and quality assessment in textile manufacturing, but has limitations regarding precision and comparability between laboratories.

Key Topics

• Shrinkage Measurement Method: The standard outlines the preparation of parallel fiber bundles, exposure to test conditions (commonly boiling water for 15 minutes), and measurement of length change to calculate percentage shrinkage.
• Applicable Fiber Types: ASTM D2102 applies to both crimped and uncrimped fibers from a range of sources, including tow, spun, or continuous filament yarns.
• Statistical Considerations: For shrinkage below 10%, measurement accuracy is limited. When significant differences occur between laboratories, statistical comparison and the use of homogeneous samples are required to detect and address any bias.
• Acceptance Testing: Caution is advised when using this method for acceptance testing of commercial shipments due to incomplete data on interlaboratory precision. Comparative testing is strongly recommended.
• Reporting Requirements: Reports must document sample description, test conditions, calculated shrinkage values, and statistical data such as standard deviation if available.

Applications

The bundle test for shrinkage of textile fibers is used in several key contexts within the textile industry:

• Quality Control: Monitoring the dimensional stability of fiber lots to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and compliance with specifications.
• Product Development: Assessing fiber shrinkage properties to inform the design of yarns and fabrics with desired performance characteristics.
• Process Benchmarking: Comparing shrinkage behaviors across different fiber types or suppliers to optimize raw material selection and processing techniques.
• Interlaboratory Comparisons: Establishing reliability and reproducibility of shrinkage measurements between different testing laboratories.

Despite its utility, manufacturers and buyers should be mindful that results below 10% shrinkage carry higher uncertainty, and the method is not ideal for final product acceptance in commercial transactions without additional verification.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards and terminology documents are relevant to understanding and applying ASTM D2102-02(2018):

• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D1776/D1776M: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• ASTM D2258/D2258M: Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing
• ASTM D3333: Practice for Sampling Manufactured Staple Fibers, Sliver, or Tow for Testing
• ASTM D4849: Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
• ASTM D5104: Test Method for Shrinkage of Textile Fibers (Single-Fiber Test)

ASTM D2102 is a critical tool for evaluating fiber shrinkage in textile manufacturing, providing a standardized procedure that supports consistent testing practices and quality assurance across the industry.

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: D2102 − 02 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Shrinkage of Textile Fibers (Bundle Test)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2102; 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 D4849 Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
D5104 Test Method for Shrinkage of Textile Fibers (Single-
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the unre-
Fiber Test)
strained shrinkage of a bundle of crimped or uncrimped fibers
from exposure to some environment, for instance, boiling
3. Terminology
water for 15 min.
1.1.1 This test method may be used on fibers from tow and
3.1 For terminology related to Yarns and Fibers see Termi-
fibers removed from spun or continuous filament yarn.
nology D4849.
NOTE 1—For measurement of shrinkage of single fibers, refer to Test
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
Method D5104.
shrinkage.
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to
3.3 For definition of other terms related to textiles, see
be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in
Terminology D123.
each system are not exact equivalents, therefore, each system
must be used independently of the other.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Auniformbundleofconditionedparallelfibersislightly
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
loaded between clamps and the nip to nip length measured.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Without being removed from the clamps, the bundle specimen
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
is then exposed to the test environment, typically, boiling water
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
for 15 min. After reconditioning, the bundle length is remea-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
sured under the same light loading.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the NOTE 2—Due to the very high variability of the shrinkage of individual
fibers of high shrinkage types, to obtain a reliable average value would
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
require an excessive number of determinations, each rather tedious. The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
bundle method does not give the true average value, but rather a weighted
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
value approaching the highest shrinkage fiber in the bundle. Since the
weighted value more closely approximates the properties found in a high
2. Referenced Documents
bulk yarn made from such fibers, the weighted value would seem to be
more appropriate.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
5. Significance and Use
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
tiles 5.1 Limited accuracy in measuring the change in length
produces errors in estimating values for shrinkage below 10 %.
D2258/D2258M Practice for Sampling Yarn for Testing
D3333 Practice for Sampling Manufactured Staple Fibers, However, this test is being used for low level shrinkage fibers
because the results give have been found to give an adequate
Sliver, or Tow for Testing
indication of average shrinkage at the lower levels. The test is
notadequatefordeterminingvariabilityinaverageshrinkageat
This test method is under the jurisdiction of the ASTM Committee D13 on
low levels. If there are differences of practical significance
Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.58 on Yarns and
between reported test results for two laboratories (or more),
Fibers.
comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved
ε1
a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical
in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D2102 – 02 (2012) . DOI:
10.1520/D2102-02R18.
assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such a com-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
parative tests that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
thesamelotofmaterialasthesamplesthatresultedindisparate
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2102 − 02 (2018)
numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the labora- determined for the container from which the laboratory sam-
tories involved should be compared using a statistical test for pling units were taken is more than a value agreed upon
unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing between the purchaser and supplier, continue testing in groups
series. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and of five specimens from the same laboratory sampling units in
corrected, or future test results for that material must be the container until the standard deviation for all specimens
adjusted in consideration of the known bias. tested for the container is not more than the agreed-to value or,
by agreement, stop testing after a specified number.
5.2 This test method for testing the shrinkage of fibers is not
7.3.1 If testing fibers from yarn, carefully remove twist
recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments
before taking the specimens.
offibersbecauseonlyalimitedamountofdataisavailable.See
Section 14.
8. Preparation of Test Specimen
5.3 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of
8.1 Prepare test specimen bundles by drawing and lapping
commercial shipments of fibers; but caution is advised since
fiberstoalignthefibersinparallel.Becarefulnottostretchany
information on between laboratory precision is incomplete.
of the fibers.
Comparative tests as directed in 5.1 are advised.
8.1.1 If fibers are already parallel, as in sliver or tow,
split-off bundles of fibers from the side of the material.
6. Apparatus
8.1.2 Draw and lap the specimen bundles such that the fiber
6.1 Jig, consisting of a frame with fixed upper clamp
ends at one end of the test specimen bundles are essentially
suitable for holding a small parallel bundle of fibers, a
aligned.
smoothly sliding lower clamp and a means for locking this
8.2 Make up each specimen bundle so that its linear density
lower clamp in position, and a suitable scale inscribed on the
in tex will result in a loading of 0.9 cN/tex (0.1 gf/d), by the
jig to measure the distance between clamps to the nearest
weight of the sliding clamp as obtained in accordance with 9.1.
0.2 mm (0.01 in.).
NOTE 4—Wrapping Bundle Ends—Cut two short pieces of tape.
6.2 Tape Adhesive Cellophane or Masking, 25.4 mm (1 in.).
Carefully wrap the tapes about the end of the specimen bundle. Space the
ends to give as long a specimen as practical and compatible with the jig
7. Sampling
and fiber lengths. Trim the tape ends to fit inside the clamps.
7.1 Lot sampling—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
9. Calibration
take at random the number of shipping containers directed in
the applicable material specification or other agreement be-
9.1 Weightheslidinglowerclampto0.1gfordetermination
tween the purchaser and supplier, such as an agreement to use
of specimen bundle size as stated in 8.2. The jig must be
Practice D3333 or Practice D2258/D2258M, as appropriate.
partially disassembled to do this.
Consider shipping containers to be the primary sampling units.
9.2 Clamp a scale, of approximately 40 mm (1 ⁄2 in.) in
NOTE 3—An adequate specification or other agreement between the length, in the jaws with exactly 25 mm (1.0 in.) nip to nip.
purchaser or supplier requires taking into account the variability between
Position the upper clamp to give a reading of 1.00 in. on the
shipping units, be
...