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The Test Methods of AATCC 61
2019/07/26
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While the most common test methods that are currently followed are ISO 105 C06 and AATCC 61, newer test methods such as ISO 105 C08 and C09 replicate washing with the addition of non-chlorine bleaches and low temperature bleach activators. The specific conditions for these tests are given in Table 1.
Test Equipment and Consumables:
Wash wheel
Standard reference detergents without Optical Brighteners – either ECE or AATCC 1993 as specified by the standards.
Multifibre Fabric
Stainless Steel Balls
Bleach & Bleach activators
Grade 3 Water
Assessment facilities
Wash wheel pots and stainless steel balls
AATCC & ECE Standard Reference Detergents
AATCC Style 10 Multifibre Fabric
SDC DW Multifibre Fabric
Procedure in Brief :
Specimens are cut either in 4 x 10 cm size (ISO) or 5 x 10 cm for AATCC 61 1A or 5 x 15 cm for other AATCC 61 methods. (See figure).
A multifibre swatch is attached to the specimens. Care must be taken to ensure all colours in the specimen are covered in the test – in some cases multiple specimens may be necessary for this.
A wash liquor is prepared using Grade 3 water, the appropriate detergent and additives.
The detergents that are specified are the ECE standard reference detergent WOB and AATCC Standard Reference Detergent 1993 WOB.
The composite specimen + multifibre is placed in the wash wheel pot containing wash liquor,with additives and steel balls as may be required. The wash wheel is then run for the appropriate time duration.
The specimens are then removed, rinsed and dried in still air at temperatures not exceeding 60°C. Once dry and conditioned, assessment is carried out.
Assessment / Results and Interpretation:
Colourfastness to washing is assessed in three ways :
Change in shade – loss of colour or tone as compared to the original unwashed sample
Extent of staining on the multifibre sample.
Self staining if any.
Standard grey scales are used for the assessment where grades between 1 and 5 are given in half steps. Assessment needs to be done with clean grey scales using masks and under standardized lighting conditions in a dark room.
Case studies:
Several conditions during dyeing and printing of a fabric may contribute to loss or change of colour and the transfer of the color during washing but the two main causes of poor colourfastness to washing are -
Improper fixation of the dyestuff on the fabric surface.
Improper removal of unfixed dye.
Texanlab has investigated a great number of complaints both from the industry and consumers with regard to wash fastness problems over the past 23 years. Some of these are given below.
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