Overview
ISO 17227:2002 specifies a laboratory method for determining the dry heat resistance of conditioned leathers. The standard is applicable to all types of leather and defines how to expose prepared leather test pieces to controlled oven temperatures, measure dimensional change (shrinkage) and record visual and flexibility changes. ISO 17227 is used for quality control, material comparison and product safety evaluation when leather may be subjected to high temperatures.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Method applies to all leathers; test on conditioned samples.
- Sampling and preparation: Sample location per ISO 2418; cut three test pieces per condition using a 100 mm square press knife; mark reference points A, B, C, D and condition samples per ISO 2419.
- Apparatus: Oven capable of holding 150 °C, 200 °C or 250 °C ±5 °C; vernier calipers (0.1 mm resolution); support (wire grid/pipe-clay triangle); stop clock.
- Test temperatures and times: Select from 150, 200, 250 °C and exposure periods 15 min, 30 min or 60 min (±0.5 min). Note safety: 250 °C is very severe and may cause smouldering or fumes.
- Procedure summary:
- Measure reference distances (AB, CD, AC, BD) before heating.
- Heat each test piece centrally in the oven on a support for the chosen time/temperature.
- Recondition for 48 h (ISO 2419), then re-measure distances.
- Calculate original and post-test area from the reference distances and express shrinkage as percentage loss of area.
- Recording and reporting: Report test conditions, percentage area loss for each piece, visual observations (distortion, charring), changes in flexibility, conditioning atmosphere (20 °C/65% RH or 23 °C/50% RH), and any deviations from the method.
Applications and practical value
- Quality control for tanneries and finishing plants to verify heat stability of finished leathers.
- R&D and material selection for protective gloves, upholstery, footwear, automotive interiors and other leather products exposed to heat.
- Supplier qualification and incoming inspection of leather materials.
- Comparative benchmarking of leather batches or treatments (e.g., oils, fatliquors) that affect heat resistance.
- Supporting product safety assessments where thermal exposure is a concern.
Who uses this standard
- Leather testing laboratories and third‑party test houses
- Tanneries and leather finishers
- Manufacturers of gloves, footwear, upholstery and automotive leather components
- Procurement and QA teams specifying material performance
- R&D chemists and material scientists in the leather industry
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - Leather sampling location
- ISO 2419 - Sample preparation and conditioning (standard atmosphere for testing)
Keywords: ISO 17227, dry heat resistance of leather, leather heat resistance test, leather shrinkage test, ISO leather testing, leather physical tests.
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