1. Test Definition: Core Concept of Rubbing Fastness
Color Fastness to Rubbing measures the degree to which a textile’s surface dye transfers to adjacent fabric (typically bleached cotton) via friction. It simulates real-world conditions (e.g., clothing wear, furniture contact) to assess dye-fiber bonding stability, not fiber durability.
Test Types:
Dry Rubbing: Uses dry standard cloth (e.g., bleached cotton) under fixed pressure.
Wet Rubbing: Uses cloth soaked in distilled water (65–100% moisture) under identical conditions.
2. Test Objectives & Standards
Core Goals:
Evaluate dye adhesion to predict fading risks in practical use.
Ensure compliance with international standards (ISO, AATCC) for textile grading.
Key Standards:
ISO 105-X12: Wet cloth at 100% moisture (global trade).
AATCC 8: Wet cloth at 65% moisture (North American markets).
GB/T 3920-2008: China’s equivalent to ISO 105-X12.
3. Equipment & Materials
Critical Instruments:
Crockmeter: Mechanical or electric, applies 9N pressure and 10 reciprocating strokes.
Rectangular head (19×25.4mm): For pile fabrics.
Cylindrical head (16mm diameter): For plain weaves.
Test Materials:
Friction cloth: 50mm×50mm bleached cotton, tested dry/wet.
Gray Scale for Staining: 1–5 grade (1 = severe staining, 5 = no staining).
Verification cloth: For instrument calibration.
4. Testing Procedure & Norms
Sample Preparation:
Cut a 50mm×130mm specimen at 45° to warp/weft (minimizes directional bias).
Knits: Secure flat to avoid stretching; wovens: Test directly.
Steps:
Dry Rubbing:
Fix dry cloth to the head, rub at 9N pressure (10 strokes/10 sec).
Rate staining vs. gray scale.
Wet Rubbing:
Wring cloth to specified moisture (ISO: 100%; AATCC: 65%).
Repeat dry rubbing steps; rate wet staining.
Results Interpretation:
Grades based on staining severity (e.g., dark fabrics: dry 3–4. wet 2–2.5; light fabrics: dry 4–5. wet 3.5–4).
Conclusion
Rubbing fastness testing is pivotal for textile quality. Dye, fiber, and process parameters jointly determine performance. Strategic dye selection, process refinement, and finishing techniques can elevate fastness to meet global durability and safety standards.
