Overview
ISO 5089:1977 - Textiles - Preparation of laboratory test samples and test specimens for chemical testing - defines standardized methods for obtaining laboratory test samples and preparing test specimens from a previously taken laboratory bulk sample. It clarifies terminology (bulk source, laboratory bulk sample, laboratory test sample, test specimen) and gives practical procedures for sampling loose fibres, oriented fibres, yarn, fabric and made-up articles prior to chemical analysis.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Definitions and scope: Clear definitions of bulk source, laboratory bulk sample, laboratory test sample and test specimen to ensure consistency in sampling for chemical testing.
- Sampling principles: Laboratory test samples must be representative of the laboratory bulk sample; the method estimates mean chemical levels rather than local variability.
- Loose fibres:
- Non‑oriented fibres: spread and take at random a minimum number of tufts (document cites minimum 100 tufts) to reach the required laboratory test sample mass.
- Oriented fibres (card webs, slivers, rovings): take multiple cross-sections (document specifies not less than ten cross-sections of approx. 1.0 g) and combine them to form the laboratory test sample.
- Yarn sampling:
- If the number of packages ≤ 25, sample all; if > 25, take 25 packages at random.
- Combine equal-length portions from each package (skeleton skeins/tows) so each test specimen contains material from every package.
- Fabric sampling:
- Methods for full-width cuttings, diagonal strips, combining halves and handling patterned or asymmetric designs.
- Guidance for cuttings ≤ 1 m and > 1 m, and how to ensure representative sampling when design repeats or asymmetric patterns occur.
- Made-up articles: Treat whole article or representative parts as the laboratory bulk sample; determine whether parts differ in composition and sample separately if needed.
- Test report requirements: The test report must state that sampling followed ISO 5089 and include sizes of the laboratory bulk sample, laboratory test sample and test specimen.
Practical applications
- Quality control and acceptance testing in textile manufacturing
- Preparation steps for laboratory chemical analyses (dye content, finish residues, pH, additives)
- Ensuring comparability and traceability of test results across laboratories
- Useful for textile test houses, QC laboratories, manufacturers, researchers and regulatory bodies involved in textile chemical testing
Related standards
- Developed by ISO/TC 38 (Textiles); intended to be used alongside other ISO textile testing standards and chemical test methods to ensure consistent sampling, sample preparation, and reporting.
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