IEC 63203-201-4:2024
(Main)Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 201-4: Electronic textile - Test method for determining sheet resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion
Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 201-4: Electronic textile - Test method for determining sheet resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion
IEC 63203-201-4:2024 specifies a test procedure to measure the sheet resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion treatment using the Martindale abrasion machine.
This document is applicable to woven, knitted conductive fabrics, conductive nonwovens, coated conductive fabrics, and embroidery fabrics using conductive yarns.
Technologies et dispositifs électroniques prêts-à-porter - Partie 201-4: Textile électronique - Méthode d'essai pour la détermination de la résistance d'une pièce d'étoffe conductrice après abrasion
L'IEC 63203-201-4:2024 spécifie un mode opératoire pour mesurer la résistance des pièces d'étoffe conductrices après un traitement par abrasion en utilisant l'appareil d’essai d’abrasion de Martindale.
Le présent document s'applique aux étoffes conductrices tissées, tricotées, aux étoffes conductrices non tissées, aux étoffes conductrices enduites, et aux étoffes de broderie qui utilisent des fils conducteurs.
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Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 63203-201-4 ®
Edition 1.1 2025-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
Wearable electronic devices and technologies -
Part 201-4: Electronic textile - Test method for determining sheet resistance of
conductive fabrics after abrasion
ICS 59.080.80 ISBN 978-2-8327-0926-9
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 2
INTRODUCTION . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Principle of test . 6
5 Test equipment . 6
5.1 Abrasion machine . 6
5.2 Abradant . 6
5.3 Foam . 6
5.4 Felt . 6
5.5 Test equipment for measurement of sheet resistance . 6
6 Test procedure . 6
6.1 Sampling and preparation of test specimen . 6
6.2 Abradant . 7
6.3 Sheet resistance before abrasion treatment . 7
6.4 Mounting specimens on abrading tables . 7
6.5 Mounting the abradant on test piece holder . 7
6.6 Preparation of the abrasion machine . 7
6.7 Useful life of auxiliary materials . 8
6.8 Abrasion treatment . 8
6.9 Determination of sheet resistance after abrasion treatment . 8
6.10 Calculation of percentage of sheet resistance change . 8
7 Test report . 9
Bibliography . 10
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Wearable electronic devices and technologies -
Part 201-4: Electronic textile - Test method for determining sheet
resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been prepared
for user convenience.
IEC 63203-201-4 edition 1.1 contains the first edition (2024-12) [documents 124/290/FDIS and
124/301/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2025-12) [documents 124/321A/CDV and 124/355/RVC].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content is
modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.
A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publication.
IEC 63203-201-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 124: Wearable electronic
devices and technologies. It is an International Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
124/290/FDIS 124/301/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 63203 series, published under the general title Wearable electronic
devices and technologies, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document and its amendment will remain
unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the
data related to the specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
INTRODUCTION
Electrical properties can be changed by surface wear of conductive fabric, so abrasion
resistance is a critical property for conductive fabric.
The failure modes of conductive fabric are specimen breakdown, appearance change and
damage of coated layer in the case of coated fabric, etc. These physical failure modes result in
changes in electrical properties.
This document specifies the test method and evaluation criteria for abrasion resistance of
conductive fabrics.
1 Scope
This part of IEC 63203-201 specifies a test procedure to measure the sheet resistance of
conductive fabrics after abrasion treatment using the Martindale abrasion machine.
This document is applicable to fully conductive fabrics such as woven, knitted conductive fabrics,
conductive nonwovens, and coated conductive fabrics, and embroidery fabrics using conductive
yarns.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 62899-202:2023, Printed electronics – Part 202: Materials – Conductive ink
ISO 139, Textiles – Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
ISO 12947-1:1998, Textiles – Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the
Martindale method – Part 1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus
ISO 12947-2:2016, Textiles – Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the
Martindale method – Part 2: Determination of specimen breakdown
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
abrasion rub
one revolution of the two outer drives of the Martindale abrasion tester
[SOURCE: ISO 12947-1:1998, 3.1]
3.2
sheet resistance
R
S
electrical resistance of a sheet of nominally uniform thickness, measured across the opposite
ends of a square area
Note 1 to entry: The unit of sheet resistance is Ohm (Ω). However, in order not to confuse sheet resistance with
bulk resistance, the use of Ohm per square (Ω/□) is recommended.
Note 2 to entry: If fabric thickness is known, the average bulk resistivity of the fabric material can be calculated as
the product of sheet resistance and fabric thickness.
Note 3 to entry: In a conductive fabric whose resistance value can be regarded as isotropic, the fabric can be
regarded as a sheet and the sheet resistance can be used as an expression of conductivity.
[SOURCE: IEC 62899-101:2019 [1], 3.122, modified – The symbol "Rs" has been added. In the
definition, "thin film" has been replaced with "sheet"; in Note 2, "film" has been replaced with
"fabric" and Note 3 has been added.]
4 Principle of test
The test presented is an abrasion test using the Martindale abrasion machine. The test
specimen is mounted on the larger (140 mm) abradant holder instead of on the test specimen
holder. The abradant is mounted in a 38 mm test specimen holder. This methodology provides
an abraded area which allows for the measurement of sheet resistance.
5 Test equipment
5.1 Abrasion machine
Martindale abrasion machine as described in ISO 12947-1:1998.
5.2 Abradant
Woven wool fabric conforming to ISO 12947-1:1998, Table 1.
5.3 Foam
Polyetherurethane foam material as specified in ISO 12947-1:1998, Table 3. Foam is used for
fabrics having a mass per unit area less than 500 g/m as an underlay for abradant mounted in
the test specimen holder.
5.4 Felt
Felt backing as specified in ISO 12947-1:1998, Table 2. Felt is mounted in an abrading table
prior to mounting the test specimen.
5.5 Test equipment for measurement of sheet resistance
The test equipment for measuring sheet resistance shall be as specified in IEC 62899-202:2023,
7.2.1.2. The round tipped electrode is recommended for measuring sheet resistance.
6 Test procedure
6.1 Sampling and preparation of test specimen
The sample shall be representative for the structure and patterns of the conductive fabrics.
Take the test specimens ensuring the principles set out in accordance with ISO 12947-2:2016,
7.3.
Exclude the selvedge area at least 100 mm from the edge when cutting the test specimens at
random from the entire material. In case of narrow fabric, exclude selvedge area at least 50 mm
from the edge.
NOTE The structure and patterns of textile fabrics can be found in ISO 3572:1976 [2] and ISO 8388:1998[3].
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
At least three circular test specimens with a diameter of (140 ± 5) mm to fit the abrading table
shall be selected. The same number of felt backings shall be cut to the same size as the test
specimens.
Condition the test specimens for at least 24 h at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 4) % relative humidity
(RH) in accordance with ISO 139.
In order to make the test specimen flat, the test specimen shall be attached to the felt. The
double-sided adhesive tape shall be used to provide adhesion between the test specimen and
the felt during the test to achieve reproducible results.
Prepare two pieces of double-sided tapes measuring 50 mm (W) × 100 mm (L).
Remove the protective film from one side of the double-sided adhesive tape and press the
protective film of the other side of the double-sided tape, to which the double-sided tape is
attached, on to the back of the test specimen. Repeat the procedure for the other piece of
double-sided tape.
Remove the protective films from two pieces of double-sided tape, place the felt on to the
adhesive tape of the test specimen, and then press it. Examples of suitable double sided
adhesive tapes are provided in ISO 23388:2018 [4], Clause C.5.
6.2 Abradant
The diameter of the abradant shall be at least 38 mm. The abradant shall be placed without
wrinkles in the test specimen holder nut. Preparation of abradant with an excessive diameter
should be avoided.
6.3 Sheet resistance before abrasion treatment
Measure the sheet resistance R at the centre of the test specimen according to the four
S,0
electrode four-wire method as defined in IEC 62899-202:2023, 7.2.2. The sheet resistance shall
be measured on the electrically conductive surface of test specimen.
Perform the same measurement for the other two test specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean
of R and the standard deviation for the sample, to three significant digits.
S,0
6.4 Mounting specimens on abrading tables
Compress the test specimen attached to the felt on the abrading table with a pressing weight
as described in ISO 12947-2:2016, 7.6.3. Fit the clamping ring (or appropriate device) and
secure the test specimen attached to the felt firmly.
6.5 Mounting the abradant on test piece holder
Place the ring of the test specimen holder in position on the mounting plate provided on the
base of the machine. Insert the abradant face side downwards, centrally on the ring. Place the
foam backing on top. Place the metal insert carefully and centrally on top of the foam and
abradant, so that its hollowed side faces upwards, and press down. Ensure that the abradant
is retained in a wrinkle-free condition during the further assembly with the test specimen holder.
6.6 Preparation of the abrasion machine
Prepare the abrasion machine as described in ISO 12947-2:2016, 7.8. After mounting the
abradant and the test specimen, place the test piece holder guide plate in position on the
Martindale apparatus. Correctly position the test piece holders and spindles with additional
loading pieces (9 kPa or 12 kPa) in their respective workstations.
6.7 Useful life of auxiliary materials
Renew the abradant at the start of every test. For the abrasion test ≥ 20 000 rubs, change the
abradant after every 20 000 rubs. If the abradant becomes discoloured, change the abradant
after fewer than 20 000 rubs.
6.8 Abrasion treatment
The abrasion treatment shall be done on the electrically conductive surface of test specimen.
Preset intervals of rubs to the abrasion machine according to ISO 12947-2:2016, Table 2.
After preparing the Martindale machine, select the number of abrasion rubs for the first interval
and start the abrasion apparatus. Continue the abrasion test until the preselected number of
abrasion rubs is reached.
Carefully remove the test piece holder with the mounted test specimen from the testing machine,
and without damaging or disturbing the test specimen, clean the debris from the test specimens
and abradants.
Regular removal of abrasion debris and replacement of the abradant are necessary to obtain
reproducible test results.
Replace the holders in the machine and start the next test interval. Continue this test and
cleaning until the total number of abrasion rubs is reached. Measure the sheet resistance of
the abraded test specimen (see 6.9).
Perform the abrasion treatment for the other two test specimens.
6.9 Determination of sheet resistance after abrasion treatment
The measurement area shall be within the abraded area. Cut out the abraded area from the test
specimen.
Measure the sheet resistance R at the centre of the abraded test specimen. Measurement of
S
the sheet resistance shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures of
IEC 62899-202:2023, 7.2.2.
Perform the same measurement for the other two test specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean
of R and the standard deviation for the sample, to three significant digits.
S
6.10 Calculation of percentage of sheet resistance change
The percentage of sheet resistance change (∆R / R ) shall be calculated, as shown in
s s,0
Formula (1):
R − R
∆R
S S,0
S
×100 %
( )
(1)
RR
S,0 S,0
where
∆R is the change in the sheet resistance;
S,0
R is the sheet resistance after abrasion treatment;
S
=
R is the sheet resistance before abrasion treatment.
S,0
7 Test report
The test report shall include the
...
IEC 63203-201-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2024-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Wearable electronic devices and technologies –
Part 201-4: Electronic textile – Test method for determining sheet resistance of
conductive fabrics after abrasion
Technologies et dispositifs électroniques prêts-à-porter –
Partie 201-4: Textile électronique – Méthode d'essai pour la détermination de la
résistance d'une pièce d'étoffe conductrice après abrasion
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IEC 63203-201-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2024-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Wearable electronic devices and technologies –
Part 201-4: Electronic textile – Test method for determining sheet resistance of
conductive fabrics after abrasion
Technologies et dispositifs électroniques prêts-à-porter –
Partie 201-4: Textile électronique – Méthode d'essai pour la détermination de la
résistance d'une pièce d'étoffe conductrice après abrasion
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 59.080.80 ISBN 978-2-8327-0083-9
– 2 – IEC 63203-201-4:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Principle of test . 7
5 Test equipment . 7
5.1 Abrasion machine . 7
5.2 Abradant . 7
5.3 Foam . 7
5.4 Felt . 7
5.5 Test equipment for measurement of sheet resistance. 7
6 Test procedure . 8
6.1 Sampling and preparation of test specimen . 8
6.2 Abradant . 8
6.3 Sheet resistance before abrasion treatment . 8
6.4 Mounting specimens on abrading tables . 9
6.5 Mounting the abradant on test piece holder . 9
6.6 Preparation of the abrasion machine . 9
6.7 Useful life of auxiliary materials . 9
6.8 Abrasion treatment. 9
6.9 Determination of sheet resistance after abrasion treatment . 10
6.10 Calculation of percentage of sheet resistance change . 10
7 Test report . 10
Bibliography . 11
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES –
Part 201-4: Electronic textile – Test method for determining sheet
resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 63203-201-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 124: Wearable electronic
devices and technologies. It is an International Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
124/290/FDIS 124/301/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
– 4 – IEC 63203-201-4:2024 © IEC 2024
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 63203 series, published under the general title Wearable electronic
devices and technologies, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
INTRODUCTION
Electrical properties can be changed by surface wear of conductive fabric, so abrasion
resistance is a critical property for conductive fabric.
The failure modes of conductive fabric are specimen breakdown, appearance change and
damage of coated layer in the case of coated fabric, etc. These physical failure modes result in
changes in electrical properties.
This document specifies the test method and evaluation criteria for abrasion resistance of
conductive fabrics.
– 6 – IEC 63203-201-4:2024 © IEC 2024
WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES –
Part 201-4: Electronic textile – Test method for determining sheet
resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion
1 Scope
This part of IEC 63203-201 specifies a test procedure to measure the sheet resistance of
conductive fabrics after abrasion treatment using the Martindale abrasion machine.
This document is applicable to woven, knitted conductive fabrics, conductive nonwovens,
coated conductive fabrics, and embroidery fabrics using conductive yarns.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 62899-202:2023, Printed electronics – Part 202: Materials – Conductive ink
ISO 139, Textiles – Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
ISO 12947-1:1998, Textiles – Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the
Martindale method – Part 1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus
ISO 12947-2:2016, Textiles – Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the
Martindale method – Part 2: Determination of specimen breakdown
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
abrasion rub
one revolution of the two outer drives of the Martindale abrasion tester
[SOURCE: ISO 12947-1:1998, 3.1]
3.2
sheet resistance
R
S
electrical resistance of a sheet of nominally uniform thickness, measured across the opposite
ends of a square area
Note 1 to entry: The unit of sheet resistance is Ohm (Ω). However, in order not to confuse sheet resistance with
bulk resistance, the use of Ohm per square (Ω/□) is recommended.
Note 2 to entry: If fabric thickness is known, the average bulk resistivity of the fabric material can be calculated as
the product of sheet resistance and fabric thickness.
Note 3 to entry: In a conductive fabric whose resistance value can be regarded as isotropic, the fabric can be
regarded as a sheet and the sheet resistance can be used as an expression of conductivity.
[SOURCE: IEC 62899-101:2019 [1], 3.122, modified – The symbol "Rs" has been added. In the
definition, "thin film" has been replaced with "sheet"; in Note 2, "film" has been replaced with
"fabric" and Note 3 has been added.]
4 Principle of test
The test presented is an abrasion test using the Martindale abrasion machine. The test
specimen is mounted on the larger (140 mm) abradant holder instead of on the test specimen
holder. The abradant is mounted in a 38 mm test specimen holder. This methodology provides
an abraded area which allows for the measurement of sheet resistance.
5 Test equipment
5.1 Abrasion machine
Martindale abrasion machine as described in ISO 12947-1:1998.
5.2 Abradant
Woven wool fabric conforming to ISO 12947-1:1998, Table 1.
5.3 Foam
Polyetherurethane foam material as specified in ISO 12947-1:1998, Table 3. Foam is used for
fabrics having a mass per unit area less than 500 g/m as an underlay for abradant mounted in
the test specimen holder.
5.4 Felt
Felt backing as specified in ISO 12947-1:1998, Table 2. Felt is mounted in an abrading table
prior to mounting the test specimen.
5.5 Test equipment for measurement of sheet resistance
The test equipment for measuring sheet resistance shall be as specified in IEC 62899-202:2023,
7.2.1.2. The round tipped electrode is recommended for measuring sheet resistance.
– 8 – IEC 63203-201-4:2024 © IEC 2024
6 Test procedure
6.1 Sampling and preparation of test specimen
The sample shall be representative for the structure and patterns of the conductive fabrics.
Take the test specimens ensuring the principles set out in accordance with ISO 12947-2:2016,
7.3.
Exclude the selvedge area at least 100 mm from the edge when cutting the test specimens at
random from the entire material. In case of narrow fabric, exclude selvedge area at least 50 mm
from the edge.
NOTE The structure and patterns of textile fabrics can be found in ISO 3572:1976 [2] and ISO 8388:1998[3].
At least three circular test specimens with a diameter of (140 ± 5) mm to fit the abrading table
shall be selected. The same number of felt backings shall be cut to the same size as the test
specimens.
Condition the test specimens for at least 24 h at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 4) % relative humidity
(RH) in accordance with ISO 139.
In order to make the test specimen flat, the test specimen shall be attached to the felt. The
double-sided adhesive tape shall be used to provide adhesion between the test specimen and
the felt during the test to achieve reproducible results.
Prepare two pieces of double-sided tapes measuring 50 mm (W) × 100 mm (L).
Remove the protective film from one side of the double-sided adhesive tape and press the
protective film of the other side of the double-sided tape, to which the double-sided tape is
attached, on to the back of the test specimen. Repeat the procedure for the other piece of
double-sided tape.
Remove the protective films from two pieces of double-sided tape, place the felt on to the
adhesive tape of the test specimen, and then press it. Examples of suitable double sided
adhesive tapes are provided in ISO 23388:2018 [4], Clause C.5.
6.2 Abradant
The diameter of the abradant shall be at least 38 mm. The abradant shall be placed without
wrinkles in the test specimen holder nut. Preparation of abradant with an excessive diameter
should be avoided.
6.3 Sheet resistance before abrasion treatment
Measure the sheet resistance R at the centre of the test specimen according to the four
S,0
electrode four-wire method as defined in IEC 62899-202:2023, 7.2.2. The sheet resistance shall
be measured on the electrically conductive surface of test specimen.
Perform the same measurement for the other two test specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean
of R and the standard deviation for the sample, to three significant digits.
S,0
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
6.4 Mounting specimens on abrading tables
Compress the test specimen attached to the felt on the abrading table with a pressing weight
as described in ISO 12947-2:2016, 7.6.3. Fit the clamping ring (or appropriate device) and
secure the test specimen attached to the felt firmly.
6.5 Mounting the abradant on test piece holder
Place the ring of the test specimen holder in position on the mounting plate provided on the
base of the machine. Insert the abradant face side downwards, centrally on the ring. Place the
foam backing on top. Place the metal insert carefully and centrally on top of the foam and
abradant, so that its hollowed side faces upwards, and press down. Ensure that the abradant
is retained in a wrinkle-free condition during the further assembly with the test specimen holder.
6.6 Preparation of the abrasion machine
Prepare the abrasion machine as described in ISO 12947-2:2016, 7.8. After mounting the
abradant and the test specimen, place the test piece holder guide plate in position on the
Martindale apparatus. Correctly position the test piece holders and spindles with additional
loading pieces (9 kPa or 12 kPa) in their respective workstations.
6.7 Useful life of auxiliary materials
Renew the abradant at the start of every test. For the abrasion test ≥ 20 000 rubs, change the
abradant after every 20 000 rubs. If the abradant becomes discoloured, change the abradant
after fewer than 20 000 rubs.
6.8 Abrasion treatment
The abrasion treatment shall be done on the electrically conductive surface of test specimen.
Preset intervals of rubs to the abrasion machine according to ISO 12947-2:2016, Table 2.
After preparing the Martindale machine, select the number of abrasion rubs for the first interval
and start the abrasion apparatus. Continue the abrasion test until the preselected number of
abrasion rubs is reached.
Carefully remove the test piece holder with the mounted test specimen from the testing machine,
and without damaging or disturbing the test specimen, clean the debris from the test specimens
and abradants.
Regular removal of abrasion debris and replacement of the abradant are necessary to obtain
reproducible test results.
Replace the holders in the machine and start the next test interval. Continue this test and
cleaning until the total number of abrasion rubs is reached. Measure the sheet resistance of
the abraded test specimen (see 6.9).
Perform the abrasion treatment for the other two test specimens.
– 10 – IEC 63203-201-4:2024 © IEC 2024
6.9 Determination of sheet resistance after abrasion treatment
The measurement area shall be within the abraded area. Cut out the abraded area from the test
specimen.
Measure the sheet resistance R at the centre of the abraded test specimen. Measurement of
S
the sheet resistance shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures of
IEC 62899-202:2023, 7.2.2.
Perform the same measurement for the other two test specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean
of R and the standard deviation for the sample, to three significant digits.
S
6.10 Calculation of per
...
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