Overview
ISO 5404:2011 - Leather - Physical test methods - Determination of water resistance of heavy leathers (ISO / IULTCS) specifies a laboratory method to measure how heavy leathers resist water under simulated walking/flexing conditions. The method determines penetration time, water absorption, area of penetration and water penetration rate for all types of heavy leathers. Results support quality control, material specification and product development for leather used in soles, heavy goods and other applications where water exposure and flexing occur.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: continuous wetting of one surface while the sample is flexed/compressed by a roller to mimic sole action; measurements are taken with respect to time.
- Defined measurements:
- Penetration time - time until water first crosses to the opposite face (minutes).
- Water absorption - percentage mass gain relative to conditioned mass.
- Area of penetration - total wetted area (mm²) on the opposite face.
- Penetration rate - mass of water transmitted per unit area per hour (g/cm²·h), calculated using a 10-minute collection period after first penetration.
- Apparatus essentials:
- Roller (120 mm ±2 mm diameter), platform (100 × 40 mm), clamps, water supply through a perforated, roughened platform, controlled roller motion (100 mm ±2 mm amplitude, 20 ±1 cycles/min), and pressing force (80 ±5 N).
- Auxiliary items: cotton gauze, absorbent cellulosic board, thickness gauge, balance (0.001 g), abrasive paper (P120), transparent overlay for area estimation.
- Sample preparation & conditioning:
- Sampling per ISO 2418; sample cutting and orientation specified.
- Surface roughening on abrasive paper to remove thin finishes that could mask realistic penetration.
- Edge sealing with flexible adhesive and conditioning per ISO 2419.
- Reporting: include reference to ISO 5404:2011, thickness, penetration time, water absorption (%), area of penetration (mm²), penetration rate (g/cm²·h), conditioning atmosphere and any deviations.
Applications - who uses it
- Tanneries and leather manufacturers - product specification and quality control for heavy leathers (soles, heavy-duty components).
- Footwear and leather goods manufacturers - evaluate suitability of materials for wet/dynamic use.
- Independent testing laboratories and R&D - comparative testing, material development and performance validation.
- Standards bodies and procurement - compliance verification and contract specification.
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - sampling location for leather.
- ISO 2419 - sample preparation and conditioning.
- ISO 2589 - thickness measurement.
- International collaboration: prepared with IULTCS and CEN input.
Keywords: ISO 5404:2011, water resistance test, heavy leathers, penetration time, water absorption, water penetration rate, leather testing, physical test methods.
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