What is BS EN ISO 9237:2016?

BS EN ISO 9237:2016 is an international standard that specifies a method for determining the air permeability of fabrics. It is commonly used in the textile industry to assess the quality and performance of various types of fabrics, including woven, knitted, and non-woven fabrics.

The Importance of Air Permeability Testing

Air permeability testing plays a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of textiles. It helps designers and manufacturers understand how easily air passes through a fabric, which in turn affects its breathability, comfort, and functionality.

For example, in sportswear and outdoor gear, high air permeability is often desirable to enhance moisture management and improve the wearer's comfort during physical activities.

On the other hand, in applications where air tightness is crucial, such as protective clothing or certain industrial applications, low air permeability is necessary to prevent the ingress of contaminants or maintain pressure differentials.

The Testing Procedure

The BS EN ISO 9237:2016 standard outlines a specific procedure for measuring air permeability using a device called a permeability tester. The tester generates a constant airflow on one side of the fabric while measuring the pressure drop across it.

During the test, a known volume of air is passed through the fabric, and the pressure drop across the fabric is recorded. The results are then used to calculate the air permeability value of the fabric, which is expressed in units of cubic meters per square meter per second (m³/m²/s).

The standard provides precise guidelines on factors such as the specimen size, conditioning requirements, and test parameters to ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Applications and Benefits

The air permeability values obtained from BS EN ISO 9237:2016 testing can be used to classify fabrics into different categories based on their permeability levels. This information is invaluable for fabric manufacturers, garment designers, and researchers in several ways.

Firstly, it enables manufacturers to ensure the quality and performance of their textiles by meeting specific air permeability requirements. It helps them validate their claims regarding breathability, comfort, and other functional characteristics of the fabrics.

Secondly, knowing the air permeability of a fabric allows designers to make informed decisions during the selection process. They can choose the most suitable materials for desired applications, considering factors like thermal comfort, waterproofness, and wind resistance.

Furthermore, researchers can utilize air permeability data to study the behavior of fabrics under different environmental conditions or conduct comparative studies between various textiles.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 9237:2016 provides a standardized method for evaluating the air permeability of fabrics. The information obtained from this testing procedure is crucial for textile industry professionals in ensuring product quality, optimizing fabric selection, and conducting research on fabric performance. By complying with this standard, manufacturers can produce textiles that meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers across different industries.