ISO 2417:2025 – Leather Water Absorption Test & Apparatus

ISO 2417:2025 – Leather: Determination of the static absorption of water specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure the water absorption of leather under static (immersion) conditions. Applicable to all leather types, it is particularly aimed at heavy leather. This method quantifies how much water a leather sample absorbs during defined immersion periods, providing reproducible data for quality control, material comparison, and R&D.

Test Principle

A conditioned leather specimen of known mass or volume is immersed in water. The volume of water absorbed by the sample is measured using a graduated Kubelka apparatus. Water uptake is recorded at specified time intervals, allowing calculation of water absorption per unit mass or volume.

Test Instruments & Equipment

Kubelka apparatus: Glass bulb with graduated tube, total volume 75 ml ±2 ml, graduation readable to 0.1 ml.

Rubber stopper with glass rod or metal wire to position the test piece.

Press knife: Diameter 70 mm ±1 mm for cutting test pieces.

Analytical balance: Resolution 0.001 g.

Distilled or de-ionized water: Compliant with ISO 3696 (Grade 3).

Temperature-controlled environment: Maintain 20 °C ±2 °C or 23 °C ±2 °C.

Specimen Preparation & Conditioning

Cut specimens according to ISO 2418.

Condition specimens per ISO 2419.

Determine sample volume according to ISO 2420.

Test Procedure

Wet the Kubelka apparatus and fill to the initial level.

Immerse the test piece in the cylinder and secure with the stopper.

After the specified immersion period, drain and read the residual water in the graduated tube 60 s ±5 s after drainage.

Typical immersion intervals: 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 24 h. Usually, two time points are sufficient for routine tests.

Expression of Results

Q (ml/100 g): Water absorbed per 100 g of leather:

Q=Vm×100Q = \frac{V}{m} \times 100Q=mV×100

where V = volume of water absorbed (ml), m = mass of test piece (g).

P (ml/100 ml): Water absorbed per 100 ml of leather (volume fraction):

P=VV1×100P = \frac{V}{V_1} \times 100P=V1V×100

where V1 = specimen volume (ml).

Test Report Must Include:

Reference to ISO 2417:2025

Specimen identification

Mean water absorption for each immersion period

Conditioning atmosphere (ISO 2419)

Any deviations from method or unusual observations

Test date

Applications & Users

Quality Control: Tanneries and leather finishing plants monitor batch consistency and detect processing issues affecting water absorption.

Product Specification: Footwear, leather goods, saddlery, upholstery, and glove manufacturers specify materials for intended exposure to moisture.

R&D & Material Selection: Laboratories assess tanning, finishing, coating, or treatment effects on water absorption.

Procurement & Compliance: Buyers and certification bodies require EN ISO 2417:2025 compliance for acceptance testing.

Related Standards

ISO 2418: Specimen position and preparation

ISO 2419: Specimen conditioning and atmosphere

ISO 2420: Determination of apparent density and mass per unit area

ISO 3696: Water for analytical laboratory use (Grade 3)

Qinsun Instruments is a professional instrument equipment manufacturer, providing one-stop solutions for all your leather testing and laboratory needs.

2026-01-06 17:46