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D6014-00 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🧪 Scope and Significance
ASTM D6014-00 (Reapproved 2023), the Standard Test Method for Determination of Dynamic Water Absorption of Leather Surfaces, defines a procedure for evaluating the degree of wettability of a leather surface. The method is primarily utilized to measure the effectiveness of water-resistant treatments on light, unfinished leathers, specifically those used for gloves and garments. It also serves to determine the water absorption capacity of insole materials, providing a direct gauge for predicting foot comfort or discomfort. This standard explicitly does not apply to wet blue leathers.
⚙️ Test Apparatus and Setup
The core testing apparatus is a Launder-Ometer or an equivalent motor-driven assembly capable of holding 1 pt (500 mL) specimen containers. Containers are mounted with their bases toward a horizontal shaft, positioned 2 in. (50 mm) from the center of rotation. The entire assembly must rotate at a consistent speed of 40 to 45 rpm, with provisions to maintain the initial temperature of the containers throughout the test duration.
| 🛠️ Apparatus Parameter | 📐 Specification |
|---|---|
| Agitation Speed | 40–45 rpm |
| Container Capacity | 1 pt (500 mL) |
| Mounting Radius (Center to Base) | 2 in. (50 mm) |
| Container Inner Diameter | 2 3/8 in. (60.3 mm) |
| Container Height (incl. thread) | 4 in. (100 mm) |
| Balance Sensitivity | 0.01 g |
| Edge Sealing Material (Light Leathers) | 1 in. (25.4 mm) pressure-sensitive adhesive paper |
💡 Tip: This test method was developed from Federal Test Method Standard No. 311, Method 8151 in cooperation with the U.S. Army Natick Research & Engineering Center. Specimen containers can be glass or stainless steel Mason jars with standard threaded lids and inserts.
📊 Procedure and Key Measured Properties
All specimens must be conditioned in accordance with Practice D1610 prior to testing. The dynamic water absorption is determined by weighing the specimens before and after exposure using a balance sensitive to 0.01 g or better. The mass gained represents the water absorbed, calculated as a percentage of the initial mass. This value directly quantifies the effectiveness of the water-resistant treatment or the absorption capacity of the insole material.
| 📏 Test Element | 📋 Required Value / Reference |
|---|---|
| Conditioning Standard | ASTM D1610 |
| Agitation Mechanism | Launder-Ometer or equivalent assembly |
| Primary Measured Outcome | Dynamic Water Absorption (% mass increase) |
| Weighing Precision Requirement | 0.01 g |
| Applicable Substrate Scope | Light leathers without finish; Insole materials |
⚠️ Unit Standard Warning: As specified in Section 1.2, the values stated in inch-pound units are the standard. The SI unit values provided in parentheses are mathematical conversions for information only and are not considered standard for the method.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the scope of ASTM D6014?
This test method covers determining the degree of wettability of a leather surface. It is applicable to light, unfinished leathers (e.g., glove and garment) and insole materials, but it does not apply to wet blue leather.
⚡ What are the exact operational parameters?
Specimen containers must be held 2 in. (50 mm) from the center of a horizontal shaft and rotated at a speed of 40 to 45 rpm. A balance sensitive to 0.01 g is required for all mass measurements.
💡 Why is this test used for insole materials?
The standard states that measuring the water absorption capacity of insole materials provides a direct gauge for predicting foot comfort or discomfort during use.
📌 Which conditioning standard is required?
Test specimens must be conditioned according to ASTM D1610 (Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing) before being subjected to the dynamic water absorption procedure.