ASTM E3162-18

ASTM E3162-18 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice Measuring the Durability of Antibacterial Agents Applied to Textiles under Simulated Home Laundering Conditions". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The durability of antimicrobial agents applied to textiles is an important attribute for many of the available technologies on the market. Antimicrobial agents that claim durability are typically fixed ionically, covalently or physically, or both, to a textile surface and are expected to retain their antimicrobial functionality after 5, 25 or 50 washes. 5.2 Textile wash standards do exist that measure features as diverse as colorfastness or softener retention, pilling, or even the appearance of the decorative coatings of a zipper; however, no wash method exists that is specific for measuring the durability of an antimicrobial agent applied directly into or onto a textile surface. 5.3 Current wash standards have been written to either closely simulate (AATCC TM135) or accelerate (AATCC TM61) the laundering conditions that would be experienced during normal home laundering. While shown to be effective when testing physical properties of textiles, these methods introduce variables to the washing protocol that can directly affect the final antimicrobial properties of a fabric. For example, many wash protocols add bleach or softeners which can build up over time and may introduce false positive results in industry standard microbiological tests. Conversely, powdered detergents if not completely rinsed after each wash can leave residual surfactants that can build up over time but are generally removed during wear. These residual detergents can potentially coat an antimicrobial surface and provide false negative results. 5.4 Very specific parameters are identified within this practice to closely replicate home launderings as identified and studied in previous wash protocols (AATCC TM61) and accepted within the textile industry. This practice uses detergents and washing conditions which limit potential cross contamination of samples during washing and unrealistic deposition of residual detergents on the test fabric. These conditions increase the reproducibility... SCOPE 1.1 To determine the durability of standard antibacterial treatments on textile products such as apparel, piece goods, household articles, hereinafter referred to as “textile” or “textile products” to multiple home launderings. 1.2 This practice subjects textile products treated with antimicrobial agents to multiple simulated and accelerated home launderings under defined parameters such that reproducible and reliable antimicrobial analysis can be performed using standard industry accepted protocols. 1.3 For some antimicrobial agents, the durability of antibacterial properties resulting from exposure to detergent solution and abrasive action of multiple home launderings has been shown to be approximated by one 45-minute laundering cycle. The exact correlation between expressed laundry care instructions and exposure conditions identified in the practice should be determined separately for every antimicrobial agent. 1.4 The subsequent microbiological methods shall be performed by individuals experienced and adept in microbiological procedures and in facilities suitable for the handling of the microorganisms under test. 1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operation, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The durability of antimicrobial agents applied to textiles is an important attribute for many of the available technologies on the market. Antimicrobial agents that claim durability are typically fixed ionically, covalently or physically, or both, to a textile surface and are expected to retain their antimicrobial functionality after 5, 25 or 50 washes. 5.2 Textile wash standards do exist that measure features as diverse as colorfastness or softener retention, pilling, or even the appearance of the decorative coatings of a zipper; however, no wash method exists that is specific for measuring the durability of an antimicrobial agent applied directly into or onto a textile surface. 5.3 Current wash standards have been written to either closely simulate (AATCC TM135) or accelerate (AATCC TM61) the laundering conditions that would be experienced during normal home laundering. While shown to be effective when testing physical properties of textiles, these methods introduce variables to the washing protocol that can directly affect the final antimicrobial properties of a fabric. For example, many wash protocols add bleach or softeners which can build up over time and may introduce false positive results in industry standard microbiological tests. Conversely, powdered detergents if not completely rinsed after each wash can leave residual surfactants that can build up over time but are generally removed during wear. These residual detergents can potentially coat an antimicrobial surface and provide false negative results. 5.4 Very specific parameters are identified within this practice to closely replicate home launderings as identified and studied in previous wash protocols (AATCC TM61) and accepted within the textile industry. This practice uses detergents and washing conditions which limit potential cross contamination of samples during washing and unrealistic deposition of residual detergents on the test fabric. These conditions increase the reproducibility... SCOPE 1.1 To determine the durability of standard antibacterial treatments on textile products such as apparel, piece goods, household articles, hereinafter referred to as “textile” or “textile products” to multiple home launderings. 1.2 This practice subjects textile products treated with antimicrobial agents to multiple simulated and accelerated home launderings under defined parameters such that reproducible and reliable antimicrobial analysis can be performed using standard industry accepted protocols. 1.3 For some antimicrobial agents, the durability of antibacterial properties resulting from exposure to detergent solution and abrasive action of multiple home launderings has been shown to be approximated by one 45-minute laundering cycle. The exact correlation between expressed laundry care instructions and exposure conditions identified in the practice should be determined separately for every antimicrobial agent. 1.4 The subsequent microbiological methods shall be performed by individuals experienced and adept in microbiological procedures and in facilities suitable for the handling of the microorganisms under test. 1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operation, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E3162-18 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.01 - Textiles in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E3162-18 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2756-19, ASTM E2756-18, ASTM D123-17, ASTM D123-15b, ASTM D123-15a, ASTM D123-15, ASTM D123-13a, ASTM D123-13ae1, ASTM D123-13, ASTM D123-12, ASTM D123-12e1, ASTM E2756-10, ASTM D123-09e2, ASTM D123-09e1, ASTM D123-09. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

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