EN ISO 2417:2025 – Static Water Absorption Test for Leather

EN ISO 2417:2025 specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure the static (immersion) water absorption of leather. Adopted by CEN in October 2025, this standard is applicable to all leather types, particularly heavy leather. The test quantifies water uptake using a Kubelka apparatus and reports results as water absorbed per unit mass or per unit volume.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

Scope：

Static immersion water absorption testing for all leather types, with emphasis on heavy leather.

Apparatus：

Kubelka apparatus with graduated tube (readable to 0.1 ml, total bulb/tube volume ~75 ml)

Rubber stopper with rod/wire

Press knife (inner diameter 70 mm ± 1 mm)

Analytical balance (0.001 g)

Distilled/de‑ionized water (ISO 3696 grade 3)

Specimen Preparation and Conditioning：

Select and cut specimens according to ISO 2418

Condition test pieces per ISO 2419

Determine specimen volume following ISO 2420

Test Procedure

(1) Fill the Kubelka apparatus with water at 20 °C ±2 °C or 23 °C ±2 °C.

(2) Immerse the test specimen in the cylinder.

(3) Drain water and record the absorbed water volume on the graduated bulb 60 s ±5 s after drainage.

(4) Multiple immersion periods may be measured (typical intervals: 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 24 h).

Expression of Results

Q (ml per 100 g) = (V / m) × 100

V = volume of water absorbed (ml)

m = mass of test piece (g)

P (ml per 100 ml) = (V / V1) × 100

V1 = volume of the test piece (ml)

Reporting Requirements

Include in the test report:

(1) Reference to ISO 2417:2025

(2) Identification of specimen

(3) Mean water absorption for each immersion period

(4) Conditioning atmosphere

(5) Deviations from the method, if any

(6) Unusual observations

(7) Test date

Applications and Users

(1) Quality Control

Tanneries and leather finishing plants monitor batch consistency and detect processing issues affecting water uptake.

(2) Product Specification

Footwear, leather goods, saddlery, upholstery, and glove manufacturers use results to specify materials suitable for intended moisture exposure.

(3) R&D and Material Selection

Laboratories and material scientists evaluate the effects of tanning, finishing, coatings, and treatments on water absorption.

(4) Procurement & Compliance

Buyers and certifiers reference EN ISO 2417:2025 for purchase specifications and acceptance testing.

Related Standards

(1) ISO 2418 – Specimen positioning and preparation

(2) ISO 2419 – Conditioning of specimen and test pieces

(3) ISO 2420 – Determination of apparent density and mass per unit area (volume measurement)

(4) ISO 3696 – Water for analytical laboratory use (grade 3)

This standard provides a repeatable, internationally recognized method to quantify static water absorption of leather, supporting reliable material selection, quality assurance, and product performance evaluation.

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2026-01-06 17:30