Test Methods For Rubbing Fastness

Rubbing color fastness refers to the ability to sustain original color of dyed fabrics when rubbing. Dry rubbing color fastness refers to the situation of fading and staining of dyed fabric when rubbed with a standard white cloth. Wet rubbing color fastness refers to the situation of fading and staining of dyed fabric when rubbed with a standard white cloth which water content is 95% to 105%. The evaluation of Rubbing color fastness depends on the degree of staining of white cloth.

After testing, the white cloth is compared to staining sample cards to measure staining fastness. Rubbing color fastness, same as washing color fastness, divide into 5 grades and 9 files, among which grade 5 is the best and grade 1 is the worst. The friction fading of fabric is to make dye fall off caused by friction. Wet rubbing is influenced by both external force and water, so it is about one level lower than dry rubbing.

There are two test methods for rubbing fastness.they are ISO-105-X12 and AATCC-08.In ISO-105-X12 the wet pickup of the rubbing cloth is 100% .While in AATCC-08 the wet Pickup of the rubbing cloth is 65%.We check rubbing by Dry and Wet methods. In wet rubbing we wet the rubbing cloth according to test method and give rating by comparing the Staining with the gray scale.

Similarly for dry rubbing we check the rubbing with dry rubbing cloth and compare the staining With gray scale for ratings.Color Fastness to rubbing is a main test which is always required for every colored fabric either it is Printed or dyed.

If the color fastness to rubbing is good then its other properties like Washing fastness and durability etc improves automatically because the rubbing is a method to check the fixation of the color on the fabric. So if the fixation is good its washing properties will be good.

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