Overview
EN ISO 17227:2002 specifies a standardized test method to determine the dry heat resistance of leather. This method applies to all types of conditioned leathers, providing consistent and reliable results regarding their physical behavior when exposed to elevated dry heat. Developed jointly by CEN and the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS), this international standard ensures harmonized quality assessment and contributes significantly to quality control and product development in the leather industry.
Key Topics
- Scope and Application: The test method is applicable to all leather types to measure their resistance to dry heat exposure.
- Test Principle: The leather sample is conditioned, heated at controlled temperatures for specific durations, then measured for shrinkage and assessed for flexibility changes.
- Test Conditions: Oven temperatures of 150 °C, 200 °C, or 250 °C, with exposure times of 15, 30, or 60 minutes, allow for tailored testing depending on product requirements.
- Sample Preparation: Samples are cut using a press knife as per ISO 2418 and conditioned according to ISO 2419 to ensure consistent results.
- Measurement and Results: Vernier calipers with 0.1 mm precision are used to measure shrinkage area before and after heating. Manual assessment records any visual changes such as distortion or charring and flexibility alterations.
- Reporting: Test reports must include test conditions, percentage area loss, observed physical changes, conditioning parameters, and any deviations from the test method.
Applications
- Quality Control: Leather manufacturers and product developers use EN ISO 17227 to verify the durability and heat resistance of their leather materials under dry heat conditions aligning with end-use scenarios.
- Performance Testing: This standard supports the assessment of industrial protective gloves, upholstery, footwear, automotive interiors, and other leather goods expected to withstand heat exposure.
- Material Comparison: Enables comparison between different leather types, tanning processes, or treatments to select materials optimized for heat resistance.
- Research and Development: Facilitates product innovation by providing objective data on heat resistance, helping to develop enhanced leather products for specialized applications.
- Safety Assurance: Ensures that leather used in safety-critical applications, such as industrial gloves, meets rigorous heat exposure criteria for protective performance.
Related Standards
- ISO 2418:2002 – Leather - Chemical, physical, mechanical and fastness tests - Sampling location: Establishes guidelines on where to take representative samples for testing.
- ISO 2419:2002 – Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Sample preparation and conditioning: Specifies conditioning procedures to standardize moisture content and temperature prior to testing, ensuring reproducibility.
- IUP 35 Method – Original physical test method outlined by the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies, forming the basis of ISO 17227.
By aligning with EN ISO 17227:2002, leather industry stakeholders can ensure that leather products meet international benchmarks for dry heat resistance, enhancing product reliability and customer confidence in various heat-exposure environments.
