Overview - ISO 9073-5:2008 (ball burst procedure)
ISO 9073-5:2008 is an international test method for textiles - specifically for nonwoven fabrics - that specifies how to determine resistance to mechanical penetration using a ball burst procedure. The method is intended primarily for nonwovens with some degree of elasticity, where a conventional burst test is not appropriate. It defines the test principle, required apparatus, specimen selection and conditioning, test procedure, reporting requirements and guidance on precision.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Measures resistance to penetration by a polished ball of given diameter for elastic nonwovens.
- Apparatus:
- Converted constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) tensile-testing machine used in compression mode.
- Polished steel ball (standard diameter 25.400 ± 0.005 mm, spherical to within 0.005 mm). Size may be varied if agreed by parties.
- Ring clamp (internal diameter 44.500 ± 0.025 mm); clamps specimen under tension.
- Specimens and conditioning:
- Specimen size: at least 125 mm square (or 125 mm diameter circle).
- Samples taken in accordance with ISO 186; conditioned in standard atmosphere per ISO 139 unless otherwise agreed.
- Default sample count: five specimens (unless specified otherwise).
- Procedure:
- Ball is driven downward at (300 ± 10) mm/min until rupture; record burst force to the nearest 5 N.
- Set travel so ball does not contact the lower stage.
- Verify system with a standard material regularly (recommended daily or at minimum weekly).
- Test report: Must include reference to ISO 9073-5, specimen details, machine and ball/ring sizes, load cell, software, conditioning, individual and mean burst forces, and any deviations.
- Precision and sources of variation:
- Annex A gives limited inter-laboratory precision data (three labs).
- Annex B lists common causes of poor precision: machine models, load cell size, software, humidity (e.g., 50% or 65%), preconditioning, calibration and operator training.
Practical applications
- Evaluating mechanical resistance and durability of elastic nonwoven materials used where localized puncture/penetration resistance matters.
- Useful in quality control, material comparison, incoming inspection, and R&D when designing or specifying nonwoven components.
- Relevant sectors: hygiene and absorbent products, medical disposables, technical textiles, filtration, and other applications where stretchy nonwovens are used.
Who should use this standard
- Textile testing laboratories and QC teams
- Nonwoven manufacturers and material suppliers
- Product designers and R&D engineers specifying material performance
- Procurement and compliance professionals preparing material specifications
Related standards
- ISO 9073 (other parts) - Test methods for nonwovens
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- ISO 186 - Sampling to determine average quality
- ISO 10012 - Measurement management systems
- ISO 9092 - Definition: nonwovens
Keywords: ISO 9073-5:2008, ball burst, nonwovens test, resistance to mechanical penetration, CRT tensile-testing machine, ring clamp, textile testing.
Open preview (PDF)Textiles — Test methods for nonwovens — Part 5: Determination of resistance to mechanical penetration (ball burst procedure)