Overview
EN ISO 2417:2025 - Leather: Determination of the static absorption of water specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure how much water leather absorbs under static (immersion) conditions. Adopted by CEN in October 2025, this method is applicable to all leather types, with particular emphasis on heavy leather. The test quantifies water uptake using a Kubelka apparatus and reports results as water absorbed per unit mass or per unit volume.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Static immersion water absorption for leather (especially heavy leather).
- Apparatus: Kubelka apparatus with graduated tube (readable to 0.1 ml, total bulb/tube volume ~75 ml), rubber stopper with rod/wire, press knife (inner diameter 70 mm ± 1 mm), analytical balance (0.001 g), distilled/de‑ionized water (ISO 3696 grade 3).
- Specimen preparation and conditioning: Select and cut specimens per ISO 2418; condition test pieces per ISO 2419. Volume determination follows ISO 2420.
- Test procedure: Fill Kubelka apparatus with water at 20 °C ±2 °C or 23 °C ±2 °C, immerse test piece in the cylinder, then drain so absorbed water is read on the graduated bulb 60 s ±5 s after drainage. Multiple immersion periods can be measured (typical intervals: 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 24 h).
- Expression of results:
- Q (ml per 100 g) = (V / m) × 100, where V = volume of water absorbed (ml), m = mass of test piece (g).
- P (ml per 100 ml) = (V / V1) × 100, where V1 = volume of the test piece (ml).
- Reporting: Include reference to ISO 2417:2025, identification of specimen, mean water absorption for each immersion period, conditioning atmosphere, deviations from the method, unusual observations, and test date.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Quality control: Tanneries and leather finishing plants use the test to monitor batch consistency and detect processing issues that affect water uptake.
- Product specification: Footwear, leather goods, saddlery, upholstery and glove manufacturers use results to specify materials suitable for intended exposure to moisture.
- R&D and material selection: Laboratories and material scientists evaluate the effect of tanning, finishing, coatings and treatments on water absorption.
- Procurement & compliance: Buyers and certifiers include EN ISO 2417:2025 requirements in purchase specifications and acceptance testing.
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - specimen positioning and preparation
- ISO 2419 - conditioning of specimen and test pieces
- ISO 2420 - determination of apparent density and mass per unit area (volume measurement)
- ISO 3696 - water for analytical laboratory use (grade 3)
This standard provides a repeatable, internationally recognized method to quantify static water absorption of leather, supporting reliable material selection, quality assurance, and product performance evaluation.
