Overview
ISO 14268:2023 - Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of water vapour permeability defines a standardized laboratory method to measure how much water vapour passes through leather. The standard describes two measurement procedures (Procedure A - the standard test method, and Procedure B - an accelerated method), alternative sample preparation options and the required apparatus and calculation for reporting water vapour permeability in mg/(cm²·h).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Determines water vapour permeability of leather and gives alternative sample preparation and measurement procedures.
- Two procedures:
- Procedure A (Standard) - primary method to be used in disputes; longer duration and used for definitive testing.
- Procedure B (Accelerated) - shorter, production-friendly method equivalent to ISO 20344 for routine control when agreed by contracting parties.
- Sample preparation: Three test pieces per batch, cut with a press knife. Optional pre-treatments simulate wear:
- abrasion (P180 abrasive paper),
- flexing (ISO 5402-1 flex method),
- or no pre-treatment (preferred for suede/unfinished leather).
- Apparatus requirements: Vertically mounted rotating turntable, fan assembly, containers (neck ~30 mm), balance (0.001 g resolution), self-indicating silica gel (2–5 mm, oven-regenerated), sealing materials (beeswax or inert sealant), vernier callipers and timing devices.
- Test principle & measurement: Leather specimen sealed over a silica-gel-filled container is exposed to an air flow; moisture absorbed by the desiccant is determined from mass gain. Water vapour permeability (Pwv) is calculated from the mass change, container neck diameter and elapsed time (using the constant 7 639 for unit conversion).
- Reporting: Test report must reference ISO 14268:2023 and include mean Pwv (one decimal), sample preparation method, atmospheric conditioning, any deviations, sample ID, whether Procedure B was used, and test date.
Applications and practical value
- Quality control: Routine production checks for footwear, upholstery, garments and technical leathers using the accelerated Procedure B.
- Product development: Comparative performance testing between leather types, finishes and treatments to inform design and material selection.
- Compliance and dispute resolution: Use Procedure A as the definitive test in contractual or regulatory disputes.
- Research & certification: Material characterisation for breathability and comfort assessments.
Who should use this standard
- Leather manufacturers, footwear and apparel producers, testing laboratories, material scientists, product designers, and procurement/specification teams needing validated, repeatable measurements of leather breathability.
Related standards
Open preview (PDF)Leather — Physical and mechanical tests — Determination of water vapour permeability