AATCC 162 Test Method

What Is the AATCC 162 Test Method

AATCC 162 is a standard test method issued by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). It is used to evaluate the severity of the “clinging” phenomenon caused by static electricity accumulation in textile materials under low-humidity conditions.

Core purpose of the test

Evaluate the antistatic performance of fabrics

Determine whether fabrics are prone to the following during wear:

Clinging to the legs

Adhering to the skin

Adhering to inner garments

Provide quantitative data for garment comfort and functional performance

Form of test results

Rating-based evaluation

Results range from Grade 1 to Grade 5 (Grade 5 being the best)

Scope of Application of AATCC 162

Applicable materials

Woven fabrics

Knitted fabrics

Synthetic fiber fabrics

Blended fabrics

Common test objects

Women’s apparel fabrics (skirts, trousers)

Underwear and lining materials

Chemical fiber garments

Functional antistatic fabrics

Not applicable for measuring surface resistivity, volume resistivity, or electric charge quantity

AATCC 162 is a wear-experience-oriented functional test

Principle of the AATCC 162 Test

Basic principle

Under specified temperature and humidity conditions, the fabric specimen is rubbed against a standard lining material to generate static electricity, and then the degree of electrostatic clinging of the specimen in a free state is observed.

More severe clinging → poorer antistatic performance

Less clinging → better antistatic performance

Key physical mechanisms

(1) Triboelectric charging

Contact and separation between the fabric and the standard rubbing material

Generation of static charges

(2) Amplification effect of low-humidity environment

The lower the humidity, the more difficult it is for static electricity to dissipate

AATCC 162 places special emphasis on humidity control

(3) Manifestation of electrostatic clinging

Whether the fabric tightly adheres to the support

Whether it is difficult for the fabric to drape naturally

Test Condition Requirements of AATCC 162 (Critical)

Environmental conditions

Temperature: 21 ± 1 °C

Relative humidity: 20 ± 2 %

This is the core condition of AATCC 162

If the humidity deviates, the test results are completely invalid.

Specimen requirements

Specimen dimensions: cut according to the standard (usually strip-shaped)

At least 3 tests per sample

Specimens must be fully conditioned before testing (at least 4 hours)

AATCC 162 Test Procedure

Specimen preparation

(1) Cut fabric specimens according to the standard

(2) Mark warp and weft directions

(3) Condition specimens under specified temperature and humidity

Test operation steps

(1) Bring the specimen into contact with the standard rubbing material

(2) Perform rubbing in the specified manner

(3) Hang or place the specimen on the test apparatus

(4) Observe the natural drape of the fabric

(5) Assign a rating based on the degree of clinging

Rating criteria (illustrative)

Grade	Description
5	No noticeable static clinging; completely natural drape
4	Slight clinging; does not affect wear
3	Moderate clinging; slightly affects comfort
2	Obvious clinging; affects wear
1	Severe clinging; fully adheres

Expression of AATCC 162 Test Results

Test reports typically include:

Test method: AATCC 162

Test environmental conditions (temperature and humidity)

Fabric type and structure

Test direction (warp / weft)

Individual test results

Average rating

Observational remarks

Example statement

The resistance to clinging due to static electricity was evaluated according to AATCC Test Method 162.

The specimen exhibited a clinging rating of Grade 4 under standard test conditions.

Differences Between AATCC 162 and Other Antistatic Tests

Standard	Test focus
AATCC 162	Wear-related clinging (subjective + standardized)
AATCC 76	Surface resistivity
AATCC 84	Triboelectric voltage
IEC / GB antistatic tests	Electrical performance

AATCC 162 is more focused on garment comfort and consumer experience

Key Laboratory Implementation Points (Engineering Experience)

Humidity control is the decisive factor

Test personnel must be trained in rating determination

It is recommended to use image references for rating comparison

Different batches of samples should be tested in the same batch

Cross-laboratory direct comparison of results is not recommended

Common Application Scenarios of AATCC 162

Fabric selection for garments

Evaluation of antistatic finishing effectiveness

Comparative testing in product R&D

Quality acceptance and technical documentation for trade

Required Equipment for AATCC 162 Testing (Colorfastness to Water/Pool Water)

Chlorinated Water Fastness Tester

Used to perform AATCC 162 by immersing specimens in chlorinated pool water conditions.

Structurally, it is a large circulating bath with controllable:

Temperature

Agitation/stirring

Bath volume

The equipment allows the specimens to be soaked in chlorinated water and evaluates any changes in colorfastness.

Note: AATCC 162 does not require any specialized static electricity tester, as its main purpose is to assess colorfastness to washing/swimming pool water, not antistatic performance.

2026-01-04 15:27