The aging of textiles is influenced by numerous factors, and their interactions are highly complex. Consequently, current research on the aging mechanisms and testing methods for textiles, both domestically and internationally, remains insufficiently in-depth. Studies have explored the aging behavior of polypropylene geotextiles through atmospheric natural aging, sand burial aging, and underwater aging. Additionally, research has been conducted on the thermal aging treatment of polyurethane-coated polyester fabrics at varying temperatures, followed by an analysis of the mechanical properties of the aged fabrics. The effects of heat, humidity, oxygen, and light on the aging process of textile materials have been examined, along with an evaluation of storage conditions for specialty industrial textiles. Infrared absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to compare and analyze the changes in polyester-coated fabrics before and after aging. The Energy Dispersion during Tearing (EDT) index was proposed to quantitatively assess the impact of thermal aging on the tearing resistance of fabrics.
Regarding testing methods for textile aging resistance or weatherability, several standards have been established domestically and internationally, such as ISO 1419-1995. AATCC 111-2009. AATCC 186-2009. as well as Chinese standards FZ/T 01008-2008 and FZ/T 75002-1993. These methods can be broadly categorized into two types: direct aging resistance tests under natural environments and artificial accelerated aging tests using heat, humidity, light, or other accelerated conditions, with the latter being the primary approach currently employed. The scope of application and key testing conditions for these methods are outlined below:
(1) ISO 1419-1995 "Accelerated Ageing Tests for Coated Fabrics with Rubber or Plastic"
Method A: Testing conditions at 100°C for 16 hours, applicable to PVC-coated fabrics, with evaluation based on mass loss of volatile substances in the fabric. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
Method B (General Method): Aging under 70°C, normal atmospheric pressure, and low oxygen concentration for 168 hours or multiples thereof, applicable to various coated fabrics. Evaluation involves comparative analysis of the same indicator before and after aging. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
Method C (Tropical Testing Conditions): Aging under 70°C and 95% relative humidity for 168 hours or multiples thereof, applicable to various coated fabrics. Evaluation involves comparative analysis of the same indicator before and after aging. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
Method D: Testing conditions at 70°C for 168 hours, applicable to nitrocellulose-coated fabrics. Evaluation based on appearance changes and cracks. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
(2) AATCC 111-2009 "Weather Resistance of Textiles: Exposure to Sunlight and Weather"
Method A: Exposure to sunlight and natural weathering.
Method B: Exposure under filtered natural light through glass without wetting.
Both methods are applicable to automotive fabrics, home decorative fabrics, apparel materials, photosensitive materials, and roof structure fabrics. Evaluation metrics include tensile strength, tear strength, bursting strength, and color difference comparison before and after aging. Classified as natural aging.
(3) AATCC 169-2009 "Weather Resistance of Textiles: Xenon Arc Exposure"
Method 1: Black panel temperature at 77°C, 70% relative humidity, 90 minutes exposure with alternating 30-minute light and water spray cycles.
Method 2: Black panel temperature at 77°C, 70% relative humidity, 60 minutes exposure with alternating 60-minute dark cycles, no water spray.
Method 3: Black panel temperature at 77°C, 27% relative humidity, continuous exposure without water spray.
Method 4: Black panel temperature at 63°C, 50% relative humidity, 102 minutes exposure with alternating 18-minute light and water spray cycles.
All methods are applicable to various textile materials, including coated fabrics and products. Evaluation metrics include residual strength percentage, residual strength, and color difference. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
(4) AATCC 186-2009 "Weather Resistance of Textiles: UV Light and Wet Exposure"
Utilizes UV radiation (315-400 nm) and wet exposure. Applicable to general-purpose fabrics (e.g., outdoor furniture fabrics), thermal shock-resistant fabrics (e.g., for construction sites), and automotive exterior fabrics. Evaluation metrics include bursting strength, tensile strength, and color difference changes before and after aging. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
(5) ASTM D5427-2009 "Standard Practice for Accelerated Aging of Inflatable Restraint Fabrics"
Testing methods include thermal cycling aging, high-temperature aging, high-humidity aging, and ozone aging. Thermal cycling aging involves Options A and B, with maximum temperatures of 107°C or 105°C and minimum temperatures of -40°C over 96-hour cycles. High-temperature aging involves Options A (120°C, 336 hours) and B (105°C, 408 hours). High-humidity aging involves Options A (80°C, 95% RH, 336 hours) and B (70°C, 95% RH, 408 hours). Ozone aging occurs at 40°C, 65% RH, and 50% ozone concentration for 60 minutes. Applicable to inflatable restraint fabrics, with unspecified evaluation metrics requiring combination with other standards. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
(6) FZ/T 01008-2008 "Determination of Resistance to Hot Air Aging for Coated Fabrics"
Testing conditions, scope, and evaluation metrics align with ISO 1419. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
(7) FZ/T 75002-1993 "Test Method for Accelerated Light Aging of Coated Fabrics - Xenon Arc Method"
Testing conditions include a maximum black panel temperature of 58°C and moderate effective relative humidity. Applicable to various coated fabrics, with evaluation based on appearance changes and comparative analysis of the same indicator before and after aging. Classified as artificial accelerated aging.
From the above, it is evident that internationally, relatively comprehensive testing methods for textile aging resistance have been established, such as AATCC standards covering natural light, xenon arc light, and UV exposure, while ASTM D5427 considers ozone aging effects. In contrast, domestic standards in China primarily focus on temperature and humidity effects, lacking comprehensive evaluation of other critical factors. Therefore, it is imperative to refine and supplement China's textile aging resistance testing methods.
Current domestic textile aging resistance testing methods face two main issues: first, inadequate simulation of influencing factors such as light radiation, climate shocks, and harmful atmospheric gases; second, overly simplistic evaluation metrics limited to macroscopic indicators like strength changes or color differences, without microscopic characterization. International standards also share these limitations. Given the significant temperature fluctuations textiles endure, especially in outdoor applications, new testing methods should simulate extreme temperature variations. Additionally, testing should incorporate trace amounts of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the test atmosphere. Microstructural and molecular changes in textiles during aging, such as the formation of carbonyl groups in fibers like cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene under UV exposure (detectable via infrared spectroscopy), should also be considered. The carbonyl content could serve as a molecular-level indicator to quantify aging severity, enhancing the evaluation model for textile aging resistance.
To further improve textile aging resistance testing methods, the following steps are recommended:
Enhance simulation of real-world conditions by incorporating light radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and harmful atmospheric gases (e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) into testing protocols.
Introduce molecular-level indicators, such as carbonyl content in fibers, to complement macroscopic evaluations and refine the assessment of textile aging resistance.
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