Overview - ISO 2417:2016 (Leather - Determination of static water absorption)
ISO 2417:2016 specifies a standardized laboratory method for measuring the static absorption of water by leather, particularly suited to heavy leathers. Developed by IULTCS and aligned with CEN, the method quantifies how much water a leather test piece absorbs under specified static immersion conditions. Results are reported either per unit mass (ml per 100 g) or per unit volume (ml per 100 ml), enabling consistent quality control and comparative assessment across materials and suppliers.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: A conditioned test piece is immersed; the volume of water absorbed is measured using a graduated Kubelka apparatus.
- Apparatus:
- Kubelka glass apparatus with a graduated tube readable to 0.1 ml (total bulb + tube ~75 ml ±2 ml).
- Rubber stopper with a glass rod/wire to position the sample.
- Press knife (inner diameter 70 mm ±1 mm), precision balance (0.001 g) and analytical-grade water (ISO 3696 grade 3).
- Sampling & preparation: Cut three test pieces using the press knife (sampling per ISO 2418) and condition them per ISO 2419. Test pieces may be weighed to 0.001 g or have volume determined (ISO 2420).
- Test procedure: Fill apparatus with distilled/de-ionized water at 20 °C ±2 °C or 23 °C ±2 °C; immerse test piece for prescribed intervals, drain, wait 1 minute, and read the water level to determine absorbed volume. Typical immersion times: 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, and 24 h (measurements usually taken at two intervals).
- Expression of results:
- As ml per 100 g (Q): (volume of water absorbed in ml ÷ mass of test piece in g) × 100.
- As ml per 100 ml (P): (volume of water absorbed in ml ÷ volume of test piece in ml) × 100.
- Test report: Must reference ISO 2417, give mean absorption for each immersion period, state conditioning atmosphere (ISO 2419), note deviations and provide sample identification.
Applications - who uses ISO 2417 and why
- Tanneries and leather manufacturers: Quality control for heavy leathers used in footwear, saddlery, upholstery and industrial leather.
- Laboratories and QC/QA departments: Routine testing to verify water uptake behaviour and to compare batches or treatments.
- Product designers and specifiers: Assess suitability of leather for moisture-sensitive applications.
- Procurement and compliance teams: Include standardized water absorption data in specifications and supplier contracts.
Benefits include reproducible comparisons, acceptance criteria development, and improved product performance assessment for leather goods.
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - Sampling location for leather
- ISO 2419 - Sample preparation and conditioning
- ISO 2420 - Determination of apparent density (volume)
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
Keywords: ISO 2417:2016, leather water absorption, static absorption of water, Kubelka apparatus, leather testing, heavy leather, leather physical tests.
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