IEC 63203-201-4:2024

Full title: Wearable electronic devices and technologies – Part 201-4: Electronic textile – Test method for determining sheet resistance of conductive fabrics after abrasion

Published by: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

ICS Classification: 59.080.80 – Smart textiles

Purpose

Standardized method to measure sheet resistance of conductive fabrics after mechanical abrasion, ensuring durability and electrical performance of wearable electronics, smart garments, and e-textile components.

Scope

Applicable materials: woven, knitted, nonwoven, coated, and embroidered conductive fabrics

Test principle: simulate abrasion with Martindale abrasion machine, followed by four-wire sheet resistance measurement

Objective: verify durability of conductive pathways under mechanical wear

Test Principle

Specimens mounted on 140 mm Martindale table, abradant in 38 mm holder

Abrasion simulates real-life mechanical wear

Sheet resistance measured before and after abrasion using four-electrode four-wire method

Specimen Preparation

Circular specimens: 140 ± 5 mm diameter

Stabilized with felt backing and double-sided adhesive tape

Exclude selvedge: 100 mm for wide fabrics, 50 mm for narrow fabrics

Condition specimens: ≥24 h at 20 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 4% RH (ISO 139)

Abradant & Auxiliary Materials

Woven wool abradant

Foam and felt backings per ISO 12947

Ensure reproducible abrasion area for accurate measurement

Electrical Measurement

Four-wire (Kelvin) method to determine sheet resistance

Round-tipped electrodes recommended

Record mean, standard deviation, and percentage change after abrasion

Instrumentation

Equipment	Function
Martindale Abrasion Tester	Apply controlled mechanical wear to fabrics
Four-Wire Sheet Resistance Meter	Measure electrical performance pre- and post-abrasion
Sample Holders & Adhesive Accessories	Stabilize specimens during testing
Environmental Chamber	Conditioning at standardized temperature/humidity
Digital Data Logger	Record measurements for repeatability and reporting
Optional Microscope/Imaging	Observe abrasion damage and correlate with electrical changes

Applications

Evaluate durability of conductive textiles in wearable electronics

Compare coatings, yarns, and fabric structures for abrasion and electrical stability

Support quality control, supplier qualification, and R&D

Ensure electrical functionality after repeated wear or laundering

Related Standards

IEC 62899-202:2023 – Conductive ink and printed electronics measurement

IEC 62899-101:2019 – Printed electronics definitions/terminology

ISO 12947-1:1998 / ISO 12947-2:2016 – Martindale abrasion apparatus and procedures

ISO 139 – Textile conditioning

ISO 23388 – Adhesive tape guidelines for textile testing

Professional Instrument Manufacturer

Qinsun Instruments is a Professional Instrument Manufacturer, offering Martindale abrasion testers, four-wire sheet resistance meters, conditioning chambers, and accessories for IEC 63203-201-4:2024 testing. Our instruments enable reliable, repeatable evaluation of abrasion impact on conductive fabrics, helping R&D teams, laboratories, and product developers ensure durable, functional e-textiles.

Contact us today for professional solutions and technical support.

2026-01-04 17:00