Textiles - Determination of the fabric propensity to surface pilling, fuzzing or matting
Part 4: Random tumble pilling method
1 Scope
This part of GB/T 4802 specifies the random tumble pilling method for determination of the fabric propensity to surface pilling, fuzzing or matting.
This standard is applicable to various woven fabrics and knitted fabrics, including napped fabrics.
This part is not applicable to fabrics that cannot tumble freely.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 6031-2017 Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic—Determination of hardness(hardness between 10 IRHD and 100 IRHD) (10 IRHD~100 IRHD)(ISO 48: 2010, IDT)
GB/T 6529 Textiles - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (GB/T 6529-2008, ISO 139: 2005, MOD).
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
fuzzing
roughing up of the surface fibres and/or teasing out of the fibres from the fabric, which produces a visible surface change
Note: such change may possibly occur during washing, dry washing, wearing or using.
3.2
pills
entangling of fibres into balls (pills) which stand proud of the fabric and are of such density that light will not penetrate and will cast a shadow
Note 1: pills may possibly be generated during washing, dry washing, wearing or using.
3.3
pilling
generation of pills over the surface of the fabric
3.4
jamming, wedging, or entanglement
when specimens either become entangled on the impeller or lie on the side of the cylinder wall resulting in the fabric not tumbling in the required random action
3.5
matting
disorientation of the raising fibres from a napped fabric, which produces a visible surface change
4 Principle
Specimens are tumbled randomly, under defined conditions, in a lined cylindrical test chamber. Fuzzing, pilling, and matting are assessed visually after a defined period of tumbling.
Note 1: Any special treatment (e.g. washing) on samples may be agreed upon between the relevant parties and be described in the test report.
Note 2: Annex C explains the basic principles of different test methods for fabric pilling and fuzzing properties as well as the applicable product types.
5 Apparatus and materials
5.1 Apparatus
5.1.1 Random tumble tester
It consists of one or several cylindrical test chambers, horizontally positioned, with the inside dimensions of (152.4 ± 1.0) mm in depth and (146 ± 1) mm in diameter. In the centre of each chamber is a horizontal shaft with cross rods (impellers) which rotate at 1200 r/min. This device shall have a mean capable of sustaining a steady movement of the test specimens (thus, avoiding jamming during the test); this functionality can be set by either an air jet (which can blow onto the cylinder wall) or plastic blades (placed on the shaft, see Figure 1, which can move physically jammed test specimens from the cylinder wall).
Note 1: The use of either air jet device or plastic blades shall be reported.
Note 2: The air pressure of each test chamber in the air compressor shall reach to 14~21kPa.
