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D1117-01 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Referenced Test Methods
The ASTM D1117-01 standard is a comprehensive guide covering the evaluation of nonwoven fabrics. It provides a structured framework for testing by referencing specific ASTM standard test methods. The guide was reinstated in 2001 under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles (Subcommittee D13.64 on Nonwoven Fabrics).
The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard, with inch-pound units provided in parentheses for approximate reference only. The scope explicitly states that this guide does not address all safety concerns, and it is the user’s responsibility to establish appropriate safety and health practices. The sections referenced include Air Permeability (8), Breaking Force and Elongation (9), Bursting Strength (10), Dimensional Change (20), Abrasion Resistance (18), Absorbency (21), and many others.
| 🟦 Property Tested | 📏 Guide Section | 🎯 Referenced Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Air Permeability | 8 | D 737, F 778 |
| Breaking Force & Elongation | 9 | D 5034 (Grab), D 5035 (Strip) |
| Bursting Strength | 10 | D 3786 (Diaphragm) |
| Seam Breaking Strength | 13 | D 1683 |
| Flexural Rigidity | 12 | D 5732 (Cantilever) |
| Drycleaning | 11 | D 2724 |
⚙️ Specimen Preparation, Conditioning, and Terminology
Proper conditioning is critical for reproducible results. Section 7 mandates that all specimens be conditioned in accordance with Practice D 1776, which specifies standard atmospheric conditions for textile testing. This ensures that variations in moisture content and temperature do not introduce significant variability into the test results. The user must also carefully select the appropriate number of specimens based on the specific referenced method.
⚠️ Critical Terminology Note: When applying the test methods referenced in this guide to nonwoven fabrics, it is imperative to substitute the terms “machine direction” for “warp” and “cross-machine direction” for “filling”. This adjustment, outlined in Note 1 of the standard, ensures directional properties are evaluated correctly with respect to the fabric’s manufacturing orientation.
The guide covers a wide range of destructive and non-destructive test procedures. The specific sampling method and number of specimens required are dictated by the respective referenced standard for each property. For absorbency testing, which is critical for many nonwoven applications, the guide specifically directs users to EDNA Test Method 10.3.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Mechanical Tests
D1117-01 guides the evaluation of several critical properties unique to nonwoven structures. These include Mass per Unit Area (Section 17), Thickness for standard and highloft fabrics (Section 19), Absorbency (Section 21), Resin Binder Distribution (Section 22), and Dimensional Change (Section 20). Mechanical integrity is assessed through Abrasion Resistance (Section 18) and various tear strength tests depending on the fabric’s anticipated end-use.
| ⚡ Property | 🎯 Guide Section & Standard | 💡 Key Application |
|---|---|---|
| Elmendorf Tear | 16 / D 5734 | Falling-pendulum tear resistance |
| Tongue Tear (Single Rip) | 15 / D 5735 | CRE tearing strength for nonwovens |
| Trapezoid Tear | 14 / D 5733 | Specialized tear for nonwoven structures |
| Thickness (Standard) | 19 / D 5729 | Standard nonwoven fabric thickness |
| Thickness (Highloft) | 19 / D 5736 | Low-density, highloft battings |
💡 Technical Tip: For abrasion testing, D1117-01 provides flexibility by referencing multiple methods (D 3884, D 3885, D 3886, D 4158). The selection should be based on the specific type of abrasive wear the nonwoven fabric is expected to encounter in its actual service application, such as flexing, uniform abrasion, or rotary platform abrasion. Reviewing the limitations of each method against the fabric end-use is highly recommended.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the difference between D1117 and a specific test method like D5034?
D1117 is a Standard Guide for evaluating nonwoven fabrics. It does not contain all the procedural details of a specific test method. Instead, it directs the user to the appropriate standard (e.g., D5034 for breaking force) while providing specific context and modifications (like terminology changes from warp/filling to machine/cross-machine) necessary for testing nonwoven materials.
💡 Does this guide cover seam strength for nonwoven fabrics?
Yes, Section 13 specifically covers “Seam Breaking Strength” and references Test Method D 1683. This allows for the evaluation of sewn seams in nonwoven structures, which is critical for applications like disposable medical gowns and filtration bags where seam integrity is a key performance indicator.
⚡ How is thickness measured for different types of nonwovens under this guide?
The guide differentiates between standard nonwoven fabrics and highloft nonwovens. Section 19 directs testing to D 5729 for standard nonwoven fabrics and D 5736 for highloft nonwoven fabrics, recognizing that the lower density and higher compressibility of highloft products require a different testing protocol and specialized apparatus.
📌 Are the test values in SI or imperial units?
According to Section 1.2, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses (inch-pound units) are provided for information only and may be approximate. It is the responsibility of the data reporter to ensure compliance with the SI unit requirements when formally documenting test results.