ASTM D5587-15(2024)

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.
Designation: D5587 − 15 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Test Method for
Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5587; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the tearing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
strength of textile fabrics by the trapezoid procedure using a
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
recording constant-rate-of-extension-type (CRE) tensile testing
machine.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.1 The CRE-type tensile testing machine has become the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
preferred test apparatus for determining trapezoid tearing
D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for
strength. It is recognized that some constant-rate-of-traverse-
Textiles
type (CRT) tensile testing machines continue to be used.
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
Consequently, these test instruments may be used when agreed
D629 Test Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Textiles
upon between the purchaser and the supplier. The conditions
(Withdrawn 2024)
for use of the CRT-type tensile tester are included in Appendix
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
X1.
tiles
1.2 This test method applies to most fabrics including
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
woven fabrics, air bag fabrics, blankets, napped fabrics, knitted
Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (With-
fabrics, layered fabrics, pile, and nonwoven fabrics. The
drawn 2008)
fabrics may be untreated, heavily sized, coated, resin-treated,
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for
or otherwise treated. Instructions are provided for testing
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
specimens with or without wetting.
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
1.3 Tearing strength, as measured in this test method,
Methods
requires that the tear be initiated before testing. The reported
3. Terminology
value obtained is not directly related to the force required to
initiate or start a tear.
3.1 For all terminology relating to D13.59, Fabric Test
methods, General, refer to Terminology D4850.
1.4 Two calculations for trapezoid tearing strength are
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
provided: the single-peak force and the average of five highest
fabric, in textiles; peak force, in tear testing of fabrics; tearing
peak forces.
force, in fabric; tearing strength, in fabrics; yarn distortion (see
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Fig. 1).
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units may be
3.2 For all other terms related to textiles, refer to Terminol-
approximate.
ogy D123.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 An outline of an isosceles trapezoid is marked on a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
rectangular specimen (see Fig. 2). The specimen is slit at the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
center of the smallest base of the trapezoid to start the tear. The
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
nonparallel sides of the marked trapezoid are clamped in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Physical Test contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Methods B. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2024. Published January 2024. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D5587 – 15(2019). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5587-15R24. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5587 − 15 (2024)
recorded between the peaks have no specific significance. The
minimum tearing force, however, is indicated to be above the
lowest valleys.
5.5 Most textile fabrics can be tested by this test method.
Some modification of clamping techniques may be necessary
for a given fabric, depending upon its structure. Strong fabrics
or fabrics made from glass fibers require special adaptation to
prevent them from slipping in the clamps or being damaged as
a result of being gripped in the clamps. In some cases, due to
fabric constructions, individual yarns may not rupture but show
a high peak and yarn distortion within the test specimen.
Wherever possible, this shall be prevented. If you have tried all
of these steps and yarn distortion still occurs, this must be
included in the report.
5.6 The CRE-type is the preferred tensile testing machine.
This test method allows the use of the CRT-type tensile
FIG. 1 Photograph Showing Yarn Distortion in a Modern Techni-
cal Type Fabric machine when agreed upon between the purchaser and the
supplier. There may be no overall correlation, however, be-
tween the results obtained with the CRT-type machine and the
CRE-type machine. Consequently, these two tensile testers
parallel clamps of a tensile testing machine. The separation of
cannot be used interchangeably unless the degree of quantita-
the clamps is increased continuously to apply a force to
tive correlation has been established between the purchaser and
propagate the tear across the specimen. At the same time, the
the supplier. In any event, the CRE-type machine shall prevail.
force developed is recorded. The force to continue the tear is
calculated from autographic chart recorders or microprocessor
6. Apparatus
data collection systems.
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine , of the CRE-type conforming
to the requirements of Specification D76/D76M with auto-
5. Significance and Use
graphic recorder, or automatic microprocessor data gathering
5.1 This test method is considered satisfactory for accep-
system.
tance testing of commercial shipments because current esti-
6.2 Clamps, having all clamping surfaces parallel, and
mates of between-laboratory precision are acceptable, and this
capable of preventing slipping of the fabric specimen during a
test method is used extensively in the trade for acceptance
test, and measuring at least 50 by 75 mm (at least 2 by 3 in.),
testing.
with the longer dimension perpendicular to the direction of
5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between
application of the force.
test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative test
6.2.1 Hydraulic or pneumatic clamping systems with a
should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias
minimum of 50 mm by 75 mm (at least 2 in. by 3 in.) rubber,
between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a
metal, or padded/coated clamps faces shall be used. The faces
minimum, use the samples for such a comparative test that are
shall have an appropriate clamping force at the clamp faces
as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the same lot of
depending on the type of fabric under test. The pressure should
material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during
be sufficient to prevent slippage of the fabric specimen from
initial testing. Randomly assign the samples in equal numbers
the clamps during the test, while ensuring the specimen is not
to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories
damaged at the clamps edge. For certain industrial type fabrics
involved should be compared using a statistical test for
a gripping force at the clamps of 13 kN to 14 kN (2900 lbf to
unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the testing
3111 lbf) is recommended. Manual clamping is permitted
series. If bias is found, either its cause must be found and
providing no fabric specimen slippage in the clamp is ob-
corrected, or future test results for that material must be
served. When using manual clamping, use of torque wrench or
adjusted in consideration of the known bias.
other tool is recommended to consistently achieve 2900
lbf–3111 lbf.
5.3 The trapezoid tear produces tension along a reasonably
defined course such that the tear propagates across the width of 6.2.2 For some fabrics, to prevent fabric slippage or yarn
distortion from the clamp when using clamp faces other than
the specimen. It is useful for estimating the relative tear
resistance of different fabrics or different directions in the same serrated, such as rubber faced clamps, the clamps faces may be
covered with a No. 80 to 120 medium grit emery cloth. Secure
fabric.
the emery cloth to the clamps faces with pressure-sensitive
5.4 Depending on the nature of the specimen, the data
tape. Other techniques may also be used such as resins if
recording devices will show the tearing force in the form of a
peak or peaks. The highest peaks appear to reflect the strength
of the yarn components, individually or in combination, needed
to stop a tear in fabrics of the same construction. The valleys Apparatus and accessories are commercially available.
D5587 − 15 (2024)
FIG. 2 Templates for Cutting and Marking Trapezoid Test Specimens (mm)
TABLE 1 Number of Rolls or Pieces of Fabric in the Lot Sample
Number of Rolls or Pieces
necessary. If fabric slippage or yarn distortion continues to Number of Rolls or Pieces in Lot Sample
in Lot, Inclusive
occur, then serrated or interlocking clamps faces should be
1 to 3 all
used.
4 to 24 4
25 to 50 5
6.3 Cutting Die or Template, having essentially the shape
over 50 10 % to a maximum of 10 rolls or pieces
and dimensions shown in Fig. 2.
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
randomly select the number of rolls or pieces of fabric directed condition described in 9.1 and 9.2, as applicable to a material
in an applicable material specification or other agreement specification or contract order.
between the purchaser and the supplier. Consider the rolls or 7.3.1 Direction of Test—Consider the long direction as the
pieces of fabric to be the primary sampling units. In the direction of test.
absence of such an agreement, take the number of fabric rolls 7.3.2 Cutting Test Specimens—Take the specimens to be
specified in Table 1.
used for the measurement of machine direction with the longer
dimension parallel to the machine direction. Take the speci-
NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
mens to be used for the measurement of the cross-machine
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
between rolls or pieces of fabric and between specimens from a swatch direction with the longer dimension parallel to the cross-
from a roll or piece of fabric to provide a sampling plan with a meaningful
machine direction. When specimens are to be tested wet, take
producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting
the specimens from areas adjacent to the dry test specimens.
quality level.
Label to maintain specimen identity.
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For acceptance testing, take a
7.3.2.1 In cutting the woven fabric specimens, take care to
swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately 1
align the yarns running in the short direction parallel with the
m (1 yd) along the machine direction from each roll or piece in
die such that when the slit is cut, the subsequent tear will take
the lot sample. For rolls of fabric, take a sample that will
place between these yarns and not across them. This precaution
exclude fabric from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap
is most important when testing bowed fabrics.
around the core of the roll of fabric.
7.3.2.2 Cut specimens representing a broad distribution
7.2.1 Stretch Fabrics—For fabrics with stretch yarns, labo-
across the width and length, preferably along the diagonal of
ratory samples shall be allowed to relax lying flat for 24 h in
the laboratory sample, and no nearer the edge than one tenth its
the conditioned atmosphere outlined in Section 9. Once
width. Ensure specimens are free of folds, creases, or wrinkles.
relaxed, samples are to be marked and cut as described above.
Avoid getting oil, water, grease, and so forth, on the specimens
7.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit, when handling.
take five specimens from the machine direction and five 7.3.2.3 Use the cutting die or template described in 6.3 and
specimens from the cross-machine direction, for each test shown in Fig. 2. Mark each specimen with an isosceles
D5587 − 15 (2024)
trapezoid template (see Fig. 2). Make a preliminary cut 15 mm
(0.625 in.) long at the center of the 25 mm (1 in.) edge, as
shown in Fig. 2.
NOTE 2—Tests were carried out in 2007 to evaluate whether the
specimen size and clamps separation could be increased to facilitate easier
loading of the specimen. It was found that this caused a difference in the
final results depending on the fabric type. Therefore, it is not possible to
increase the specimen size.
8. Preparation of Test Apparatus and Calibration
8.1 Set the distance between the clamps at the start of the
test at 25 mm 6 1 mm (1 in. 6 0.05 in.).
8.2 Select the full-scale force range of the testing machine
such that the maximum force occurs between 15 % and 85 %
of full-scale force.
8.3 Set the testing speed to 300 mm 6 10 mm (12 in./min 6
0.5 in./min).
FIG. 3 Positioning Specimen in Clamps
8.4 Verify calibration of the tensile testing machine as
specified in the manufacturer’s instructions and Specification
D76/D76M.
repellent or water-resistant materials, add a 0.1 % solution of a
8.5 When using microprocessor automatic data gathering
nonionic wetting agent to the water bath.
systems, set the appropriate parameters as specified in the
10. Procedure
manufacturer’s instructions.
10.1 Test the conditioned specimens in the standard atmo-
9. Conditioning
sphere for testing textiles as described in Pra
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